PoliticsMayor of Turkish opposition stronghold Izmir defects to Erdoğan’s party

Izmir mayor Cemil Tugay has joined Erdoğan’s ruling AKP, despite previously vowing never to switch sides. Erdoğan welcomed him at a parliamentary group meeting. The move comes as Turkey’s opposition faces an intensifying crackdown, including arrests and lawsuits targeting elected officials.

Turkish politicsIzmirparty defectionopposition crackdown

TThe Guardian★★★☆☆2026-10-07 13:54Original