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Ruling AK Party rejects Ankara mayor resignation claims

Media reports about resignation of Melih Gökcek does not reflect truth, says party spokesman

Ersin Çelik
15:13 - 3/10/2017 Salı
Update: 15:17 - 3/10/2017 Salı
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The ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party on Tuesday rejected claims about resignation of long-time mayor of capital Ankara, Melih Gökcek.

''None of the media reports about the resignation of Ankara Mayor Melih Gökcek reflects the truth,'' AK Party Spokesman and Deputy Chairman Mahir Ünal told reporters.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who is also the AK Party chairman, also spoke about the claims, telling the media in Ankara that no such thing was on the cards at the moment.

''But it doesn't mean that there won't be [such a thing],'' the president added.

Erdoğan and Ünal's remarks came after reports emerged that Gökcek's name was among other mayors expected to quit following resignations of Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbaş and Düzce Mayor Mehmet Keles.

The president hinted the recent resignations were part of a reform of the party before the 2019 elections.

''I hope we will prepare for the elections with a much livelier, more dynamic, stronger structure,'' he said.

In a speech last May, Erdogan said the ruling party had been suffering from a 'metal fatigue' and needed a substantial change.

''The AK Party’s most important feature is its ability to renovate and renew itself,'' he had said.

#AK Party Deputy Chairman Mahir Unal
#Ankara Mayor Melih Gokcek
#President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
#resignation
7 yıl önce