AK Party activities in Turkey: Trabzon meeting and alleged mayor defection to ruling party

The Justice and Development Party (AK Party) held a regional council meeting at the Hamamizade İhsanbey Cultural Center in Trabzon. Attendees included parliamentary committee chair Adil Karaismailoğlu, mayor Ahmet Metin Genç, party leader Sezgin Mumcu, district heads and former officials. The gathering featured a tribute to the national anthem, a performance of a song for the national teams, and speeches emphasizing regular monthly meetings and the party’s role in community development. Mayor Genç also reported progress on various local infrastructure projects, such as the Arsin coastal park, Sürmene bids, and the 100‑Year Park renovation.

In Ankara, reports surfaced of a political shift after Keçiören mayor Mesut Özarslan resigned from the CHP and is rumored to join the AK Party. Sources claim Özarslan met with a senior minister and discussed connections involving several AK Party parliamentarians. Simultaneously, Ankara Metropolitan Mayor Mansur Yavaş is said to be attempting to reach President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, with indications of cautious responses from the president.