4 minutes agoAnkara chairman resigns
Periskopi(9 years ago)
(9 years ago)Ankara's president, Melih Gokcek, resigned after weeks of pressure from President Recep Tayip Erdogan, who publicly warned him of severe consequences if he did not resign. In his speech, Mr. Gokcek made it clear that he was not leaving willingly after 23 years on duty and that he was [...]
Ankara's president, Melih Gokcek, resigned after weeks of pressure from President Recep Tayip Erdogan, who publicly warned him of severe consequences if he did not resign.
In his speech, Mr. Gokcek made it clear that he was not leaving voluntarily after 23 years in office and that he was stepping down in accordance with President Erdogan's order.
Gokcek is sixth party mayor President Erdogan's AKP leaving office in recent weeks. Among those who resign are mayors of some of Turkey's largest cities, including Istanbul.
Turkey has been in a state emergency since the failed coup last year. President Erdogan currently has broad authority allowing the dismissal of mayors who have been elected by popular vote.
Erdogan has exercised this expanded power in 80 cases of pro-Kurdish HDP party mayors.
