Menderes Municipality to elect deputy mayor on August 17

Menderes Municipality İlkay Çiçek deputy mayor election YENİ Parti local government investigation

The Menderes Municipality in İzmir has scheduled an extraordinary meeting for Monday, August 17, at 10:30 AM to elect a deputy mayor. This follows the removal from office of Mayor İlkay Çiçek by the Ministry of Interior.

Çiçek was arrested as part of an investigation coordinated by the İzmir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. The investigation involves charges including “forming a criminal organization,” “bribery,” “misconduct in office,” and “causing environmental pollution.” Ten individuals, including Çiçek, were subsequently arrested.

The upcoming election in the Municipal Council is highly competitive due to the current seat distribution: the People's Alliance holds 11 seats, YENİ Parti holds 10, the CHP holds 5, and there are 2 independent members. A majority of 15 votes is required to elect the new deputy mayor.

Political parties are currently negotiating their stances. YENİ Parti's İzmir Provincial Chairman, Çağatay Güç, stated that the party will make decisions based on the interests of the Menderes people and the will of the voters, emphasizing a commitment to social democratic municipalism.