AK Parti gains 136 members from opposition parties in Istanbul

Turkish political landscape sees significant movement as 136 individuals from various opposition parties, including CHP, İYİ Parti, DEVA, and DEM Parti, joined the AK Parti during a local government consultative assembly in Istanbul. AK Parti officials emphasized a human-centric approach to local governance and highlighted the party's historical role in national leadership.

In other developments, CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu addressed potential candidacy for future elections, stating he does not intend to run again and focusing instead on party stability. He also criticized the government regarding earthquake preparedness in Istanbul and argued that constitutional changes to extend presidential terms are improper.

Meanwhile, CHP spokesperson Müslim Sarı addressed internal party departures, suggesting that those who left would eventually return, noting that current separations lack ideological or rational grounds. Additionally, the DEM Party held a closed-door meeting with MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli to discuss developments regarding the peace and democratic society process.