ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Ankara’s mayor, Melih Gokcek, stepped down on Saturday at the request of Turkish President and Justice and Development (AKP) head Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
“I’m quitting not because I’m unsuccessful or tired. I’m quitting because Erdogan asked me to do so. I’m complying with orders of Erdogan, whom I believe will make my country a leader country,” Gokcek said on Saturday, according to Turkey's Hurriyet News.
Gokcek added he believes in “obeying orders no matter what” for the good of a cause.
At least six AKP mayors have resigned recently to avoid what Erdogan describes as "fatigue" within the party that needs new strength.
Turkish media has published a number of articles indicating indictment for many mayors possibly facing claims of ties to the Gulenist movement. The AKP believes US cleric Fethullah Gulen orchestrated last year's failed military coup. Germany's Deutsche Welle called such reports "clear threats."
Gokcek announced his resignation on October 23.
This spring's constitutional referendum passed by a 51 to 49 margin in the country. It greatly empowered the presidency while weakening the parliamentary assembly and courts. The changes also allowed the president of the country to remain the party leader.
“I’m quitting not because I’m unsuccessful or tired. I’m quitting because Erdogan asked me to do so. I’m complying with orders of Erdogan, whom I believe will make my country a leader country,” Gokcek said on Saturday, according to Turkey's Hurriyet News.
Gokcek added he believes in “obeying orders no matter what” for the good of a cause.
At least six AKP mayors have resigned recently to avoid what Erdogan describes as "fatigue" within the party that needs new strength.
Turkish media has published a number of articles indicating indictment for many mayors possibly facing claims of ties to the Gulenist movement. The AKP believes US cleric Fethullah Gulen orchestrated last year's failed military coup. Germany's Deutsche Welle called such reports "clear threats."
Gokcek announced his resignation on October 23.
Turkey is nearing its next round of local elections. Erdogan said on October 13 that his party was working to "restructure for the 2019 elections" and "cannot afford to waste time."
This spring's constitutional referendum passed by a 51 to 49 margin in the country. It greatly empowered the presidency while weakening the parliamentary assembly and courts. The changes also allowed the president of the country to remain the party leader.
The referendum did not pass in the country's two largest cities of Ankara and Istanbul.
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