Turkey's Main Opposition Party About the Future of Istanbul's City Government in Türkiye

Party officials are now weighing scenarios for a potential new election in Istanbul, drawing parallels to a recent power shift in the Menderes district of Izmir. According to a report in the pro-government Türkiye newspaper, cited by party sources, the scenario is tied to the possibility that a court ruling against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, known as the "Ahmak davası" (Fool case), could be upheld by the Court of Cassation. In such an event, party strategists believe the arithmetic of the city council would be critical in determining whether the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) remains under CHP control.

The recent events in Menderes, where the municipality's administration passed to the ruling AKP party after a failure to reach a compromise with the YENİ Party, are being studied as a cautionary example. Officials note that a similar outcome in Istanbul would have far more severe consequences. While there is an assessment that "İBB is not like Menderes, the need for more careful action in any potential process is emphasized.

Separately, the position of Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş within the party has also come under discussion. Party officials are closely monitoring Yavaş's recent quieter and more neutral public stance, though sources indicate there is no general discontent with him within the leadership. However, CHP sources believe Yavaş needs to clarify his political stance and be more visible at party events in his capacity as a party mayor.

A party management assessment states, "We have no general discomfort or concern about President Mansur. However, he needs to clarify his political affiliation. If he is a CHP mayor, he should attend and appear at CHP events. His current quiet and neutral attitude is not sustainable.