Yavaş: “Talking About Candidacy While İmamoğlu Is Jailed Is Indecent”

Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş has firmly rejected speculation about his potential presidential candidacy, emphasizing that discussing such matters while Ekrem İmamoğlu remains behind bars would be both “inappropriate and disrespectful.” Yavaş said the real priority is not personal ambition but ending the current ruling mentality.

“This Is Not the Time for Candidacy Debates”

Speaking to journalist Fatih Altaylı during a visit to Marmara Prison, Yavaş criticized intra-party jockeying for the presidency, asserting:

“Whether it’s me, Ekrem, or Özgür Özel—what matters is that one of us does it. We must escape this governing mindset. That’s the real mission.”

Yavaş stressed that with İmamoğlu unjustly imprisoned, it would be unethical to discuss alternatives or personal candidacy.

“While he’s in Silivri, I won’t even utter the word ‘candidate,’” he declared.

Poll: Both Yavaş and İmamoğlu Lead Erdoğan

Referring to a recent MetroPOLL survey, Yavaş revealed his approval rating stands at 60%, slightly ahead of İmamoğlu’s—but said that both outperform President Erdoğan.

“It’s not about who’s ahead. Ekrem is in jail. That makes this entire debate off-limits,” he added.

“Conservative Voters Now Trust CHP”

Yavaş also touched on the CHP’s growing appeal among conservative voters, stating that the party’s local leaders now avoid religious missteps, creating a new level of trust:

“Religious voters have realized voting CHP doesn’t condemn them. That trust is now reflecting in the polls.”

Targeting of CHP Municipalities: ‘This Is Not Justice’

Yavaş criticized what he called a coordinated campaign of judicial pressure on opposition municipalities. Having faced 109 separate allegations, most of which he said were dismissed, Yavaş condemned the trend of weaponizing the judiciary.

“They accuse honorable people with slander. Defense is ignored, accusations are gospel. That’s not law—it’s intimidation and blackmail,” he warned.

Yavaş Backs Özgür Özel’s Nationwide Rallies

The mayor voiced strong support for CHP leader Özgür Özel’s ongoing rallies, saying they resonate with citizens and clearly unsettle the government:

“If the government is rattled, it means we’re on the right track. People who can’t shout still nod their heads in agreement. These rallies must continue.”

“We’re Here to End a 100-Year Ordeal”

Yavaş concluded with a call for national unity and democratic renewal, warning against revisionist narratives:

“Some claim the 100-year republic was a curse. Even so-called intellectuals write this. We must break free from this mindset. Like Americans, we need to unite around the solution, not the problem.”