Tuzla Mayor Eren Ali Bingöl Explains His Move to AKP: 'I Had to Make a Decision'

Tuzla Mayor Eren Ali Bingöl has announced his resignation from the Republican People's Party (CHP) to join the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Bingöl described the decision as "very difficult but one that my conscience believes is right," stating he would continue his political journey under the AKP banner.

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This is why I made a decision that was very difficult for me, but one that my conscience believes is right. From today onwards, I will continue my path under the Justice and Development Party.

Bingöl asserted that his move was not motivated by "political ambition" but by a pressing need to resolve a severe housing and property crisis in Tuzla. He highlighted that approximately 50,000 residents face the risk of their homes being demolished, and 16,000 apartments have been ordered to have their utilities cut off. Bingöl characterized this situation not merely as a legal or zoning issue, but as a humanitarian crisis.

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Unfortunately, sometimes political calculations can get in the way of people's needs, hopes, and rights.

The mayor placed significant blame on the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) for its perceived inaction. He argued that the İBB's failure to intervene in zoning issues over the years exacerbated the problem, making it intractable. Bingöl stated that he and his team had made numerous attempts to find solutions within their current political framework and with the İBB since becoming aware of the crisis, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

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The failure of administrations to intervene in problematic zoning practices over the years also carries great responsibility.

"If politics is an obstacle to people's right to housing, I had to make a decision," Bingöl declared, explaining his refusal to remain silent while "party discipline and loyalty" concepts overshadowed the welfare of 50,000 people. He expressed deep disappointment with the "indifference" shown towards such a significant social issue and indicated that his decision was a direct response to this lack of progress.

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If politics is an obstacle to people's right to housing, I had to make a decision. I am making that decision today.