World News

Mayor of Turkish opposition bastion Izmir defects to Erdogan's ruling party

Cemil Tugay joined the AKP months after leaving his party following court-ordered leadership changes.

Updated Oct 7, 2026 · 18:27 UTC3 reports

The short version

Cemil Tugay, the mayor of Turkey's third-largest city, Izmir, defected on Wednesday to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).[The Guardian · ABC News]
Tugay, who assumed office in April 2024 with 49% of the vote, had resigned from the Republican People's Party in June after a court ruling ousted its leaders.[The Guardian · ABC News]
The opposition retains its majority on the Izmir municipal council, and the defection follows reports of at least 17 other opposition mayors joining the AKP amid allegations of political pressure.[The Guardian · ABC News]

Izmir Mayor Cemil Tugay defected to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development Party on Wednesday.[The Guardian · ABC News]
Tugay took office in April 2024 after winning 49% of the vote in municipal elections.[The Guardian · ABC News]
Tugay resigned from the Republican People's Party in June after a judicial ruling removed its leadership.[The Guardian · ABC News]
Opposition parties continue to maintain a majority in Izmir's municipal assembly and city council.[The Guardian · ABC News]
Medyascope reported that the AKP had already absorbed at least 17 opposition mayors prior to Tugay's switch.[The Guardian]

Critics allege judicial actions against opposition officials are politically motivated, while the Turkish government maintains the judiciary acts independently.[ABC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.