Power struggle erupts within CHP over Buca mayorship

A fierce contest for mayoral power has erupted within the Republican People's Party (CHP) in İzmir's Buca district. The struggle began after the arrest and suspension of the incumbent mayor, Görkem Duman, as part of an ongoing investigation by the İzmir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.

With a council meeting scheduled for tomorrow to elect a new mayor, the situation has become highly charged. Initially, 10 out of the 25 council members who will cast votes declared their candidacy, prompting what sources describe as an extraordinary state of alert within the CHP's İzmir branch.

The party is particularly anxious to avoid a repeat of a previous incident in Menemen, where the mayorship was lost to the Justice and Development Party (AK Party). To prevent this, CHP officials are keeping a close watch on the council members.

Efforts are underway to consolidate the candidacies. Following discussions with council members, the number of contenders has reportedly been reduced from 10 to 5. CHP İzmir Provincial Chairman Çağatay Güç is expected to hold a meeting with the council members before the election.