Cemil Tugay addresses claims: 'CHP is our roof, resignation is meaningless'

Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay has firmly denied allegations that he intends to resign from the Republican People's Party (CHP). Speaking after a memorial ceremony for former Mayor Ahmet Piriştina, Tugay addressed public discussions following a party decision on "absolute nullity."

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I have no intention of resigning. Resigning means leaving the CHP. The CHP is our roof. It is the party people chose politically when they elected us. This is not a decision that can be made on its own; it requires a process that has truly reached its end.

"I have no intention of resigning," Tugay stated. "Resigning means leaving the CHP. The CHP is our roof. It is the party people chose politically when they elected us. This is not a decision that can be made on its own; it requires a process that has truly reached its end." He emphasized the importance of the stance taken by party leader Özgür Özel and those aligned with him, noting that Özel is also not leaving the party at this time.

Tugay expressed a desire for the issue to be resolved within the party, ideally through a congress where delegates or party members would determine the leadership. He believes resigning before such a process concludes would be meaningless. "The most important thing for all of us is to carry this process forward without losing the unity and integrity of our party's organizational structure, its members, and most importantly, the voters who believe in us," he said, warning that individual decisions could fragment the party.

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The most important thing for all of us is to carry this process forward without losing the unity and integrity of our party's organizational structure, its members, and most importantly, the voters who believe in us.

Regarding rumors of his potential removal from office, Tugay described the situation as "very exaggerated and unrealistic." He stated he has no expectations or preparations for such an event, believing these claims are being amplified by individuals who are unhappy with his mayorship in Izmir. "I see that those who have not been able to digest my mayorship in Izmir from the beginning, or who would be happy if I were removed from office, are trying to magnify this issue. However, I see no real reason for it," he responded.

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The removal from office issue currently appears very exaggerated and unrealistic. I have no expectation or preparation for this. These are usually spread by people who are not well-intentioned.

Tugay also commented on a related court case concerning the party congress, acknowledging his name has been mentioned. However, he asserted that the case relies on a delegate's statement based on hearsay, lacking concrete evidence. He maintained that he has not engaged in any unethical or immoral actions during the congress process, stating, "I am not the kind of person for that sort of thing."

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I am not the kind of person for that sort of thing.