ADVERTISEMENT

Mayor steps down as Erdogan eyes 2019 polls

Istanbul's mayor Kadir Topbas resigned on Friday after 13 years in the key post, as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan seeks to refresh the ruling party ahead of local and national polls in 2019.

Topbas, 72, did not give any reason for his resignation from the job which Erdogan himself held from 1994-1998.

"I resigned from the office of mayor as of today but I am not quitting my party," Topbas told reporters.

Topbas had been under pressure after the 'No' vote came out ahead in Istanbul -- as well as the capital Ankara -- in the key April referendum on expanding Erdogan's powers.

ADVERTISEMENT

The 'Yes' vote won the plebiscite with 51.5 percent but the narrow victory created jitters in the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

In his recent speeches, Erdogan has often called for a renewal of AKP's cadres and making the party younger and more dynamic.

Erdogan has also noted that parts of the party have suffered from a "metal fatigue".

Topbas, an architect by profession, has been mayor of Istanbul since 2004 and has presided over the transformation of the mega city that began under the mayorship of Erdogan.

"There's no room for resentment in politics," Topbas said when asked whether he felt offended.

ADVERTISEMENT

"I don't feel resentful towards anyone. I am a member of my party."

Local elections are due in March 2019 and will set the tone for a crunch political year with parliamentary and presidential elections scheduled in November.

His departure will also cast the spotlight on the future of the AKP's long-serving and controversial Ankara mayor Melih Gokcek.

Observers will now also watch closely to see if the AKP puts forward a heavyweight to replace Topbas.

Topbas also found himself in a delicate situation after the failed July 15 coup last year which Ankara blames on followers of US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen.

ADVERTISEMENT

In September last year, Turkish police arrested Topbas's son-in-law, businessman Omer Kavurmaci, for alleged links to Gulen.

But he was later released pending trial, on the grounds that prison conditions would worsen his health. Kavurmaci has been diagnosed with epilepsy.

That ruling prompted fury from the opposition who claimed that the justice system favoured party members and their relatives. Kavurmaci is due to go on trial on October 23.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Obama, Clinton support Biden at NYC fundraiser amid protests

Obama, Clinton support Biden at NYC fundraiser amid protests

Tinubu’s refusal to celebrate 72nd birthday marks great leadership - Rahman

Tinubu’s refusal to celebrate 72nd birthday marks great leadership - Rahman

Adamawa Police reaffirms ban on motorcycles in Yola

Adamawa Police reaffirms ban on motorcycles in Yola

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT