A prominent opposition mayor in Turkey’s third-largest city has defected to the ruling party, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. The move comes amid a widening crackdown on opposition figures, with reports of politically charged arrests and legal actions targeting elected officials. The president has welcomed the switch, signaling a potential boost to his administration’s influence. Critics warn the opposition faces mounting pressure as the government tightens its grip on local leadership.
Izmir mayor Cemil Tugay joins ruling AKP after vowing he would never switch sides in boost for Turkish presidentThe mayor of Izmir, Turkey’s third city and an opposition stronghold, has defected to the ruling AKP in a move hailed by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Turkish president.Turkey’s opposition is battling an increasingly intense crackdown, with a barrage of what observers say are politically motivated arrests and lawsuits targeting its mayors and elected officials. Continue reading...
