CHP slams Cemil Tugay over party switch as indefensible

Published 8 Oct, 08:05 Updated 8 Oct, 14:49 Photo: Nefes

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".

CHP Kahramanmaraş MP Ali Öztunç claimed Tugay joined the AK Party after realizing he would not be nominated again by the CHP in Karşıyaka. Sarı said former CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu had advised Özgür Özel not to nominate Cemil Tugay again.

CHP slams Cemil Tugay over party switch as indefensible

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Cemil Tugay's Switch to AK Party News Series

Where it began 1 Oct 2026 Erdoğan receives Izmir Mayor Cemil Tugay

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.