Cemil Tugay joins AK Party, protests held in Izmir

Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay joined the AK Party; President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan pinned on his badge. After protests in Izmir, it was reported that the AK Party does not hold a majority in the municipal council.

In the 184-member Izmir Metropolitan Municipal Council, the YENİ Party is the largest group with 91 members, while the AK Party has 38. Izmir Labor and Democracy Forces and YENİ Party members joined the protest. Police barricades were set up in front of those who wanted to leave a black wreath at the municipal building.

Cemil Tugay's Switch to AK Party News Series

8 Oct 2026 08:05 CHP slams Cemil Tugay over party switch as indefensible Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay's move to the AK Party drew reactions from the CHP. Party spokesperson Müslim Sarı said he found the situation "indefensible".

8 Oct 2026 07:06 Cemil Tugay joins AK Party, protests held in Izmir Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay joined the AK Party; President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan pinned on his badge. After protests in Izmir, it was reported that the AK Party does not hold a majority in the municipal council.

7 Oct 2026 22:03 CHP reacts to Cemil Tugay's switch to AK Party Cemil Tugay's resignation from the CHP and joining the AK Party drew reactions from the CHP. Party spokesperson Müslim Sarı described the switch as a situation "without precedent in the world."

7 Oct 2026 15:06 Izmir City Theatres artistic director Üzümcü also resigns After Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay joined the AK Party, General Artistic Director Levent Üzümcü joined the deputy council chairs and City Theatre Advisory Board members in resigning.

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