The Municipal Assembly Balances Behind Cemil Tugay and Mansur Yavaş Resigning from the CHP

The municipal assembly arithmetic and political calculations behind İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay and Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş resigning from the Republican People's Party and continuing their political paths as independents have been laid on the table.

The Resignation Process of the Two Mayors

After leaving the CHP, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay preferred to remain independent and did not join the NEW Party founded by Özgür Özel. Subsequently, Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş also announced on September 23 that he was resigning from the CHP and would remain independent.

The Importance of the Municipal Assembly

Winning the metropolitan municipality mayoral election in Turkey is not enough on its own to govern. The municipal assembly is the body that approves the budget, decides on borrowing, and approves zoning plans, and without sufficient support, the ability to act becomes restricted.

The Political Equation in Ankara

According to the distribution announced at the end of August, in the 148-member Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Assembly, the AKP holds 50 seats, the CHP 49, and the NEW Party 30. A total of 75 members are needed for a decision majority.

The Assembly Table in İzmir

Out of the 184 members of the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Assembly, the NEW Party holds 89 seats, the CHP 39, and the AKP 35. Due to the 93 members required for an absolute majority, the NEW Party does not hold the majority on its own.

The Advantage Provided by Independence

In fragmented municipal assemblies, a mayor not being fully tied to any single group allows them to seek support from different parties on a decision-by-decision basis and prevents disruptions in public services.