Tuzla Mayor Eren Ali Bingöl Rumored to Join AK Party

Turkish journalists Sinan Burhan and Aytunç Erkin claimed on live television that Tuzla district mayor Eren Ali Bingöl, a member of the CHP, is likely to defect to the ruling AK Party, estimating a 90 % chance. They reported that Bingöl has reportedly told his close circle he will resign and, pending the President’s approval, will move to the AK Party together with five municipal council members.

A similar rumor has surfaced about Şile deputy mayor Sacit Terzi, who recently resigned from the CHP after a previous investigation and is alleged to be preparing a switch to the AK Party. No official statements have been issued by Bingöl, Terzi, or the AK Party regarding these claims. The speculation follows reported disputes between Bingöl and Istanbul’s metropolitan administration over housing and service issues in the district.