Mansur Yavaş Leaves CHP, Says He Will Continue as an Independent

News : Gökhan Turhan

Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş has announced his resignation from the Republican People’s Party (CHP), saying he will continue his political path as an independent. Yavaş cited the political and legal disputes that have intensified since March 19, including the debate over the annulment of the CHP’s party congress, as key developments shaping his decision.

In a statement, Yavaş stressed that his decision was not made out of anger or resentment. He said the developments following March 19 had taken Turkish politics into a deeply troubling period and emphasized that his views on the issues remained unchanged.

“I am leaving the CHP and continuing my political path independently”

Yavaş said his understanding of party membership meant fulfilling the responsibilities associated with political representation, protecting the dignity of the party and ensuring that those who trusted him would not be embarrassed by his actions.

He stated that he had never engaged in conduct that would undermine the CHP or disappoint its voters. Referring to his administration in Ankara, Yavaş highlighted an approach based on equal treatment, transparency, accountability and the use of public resources for the public.

Yavaş also rejected the idea that he considered himself above political parties, saying such a claim would be inappropriate. However, he argued that his experience as mayor had demonstrated that when unity cannot be achieved at the political leadership level, citizens can establish that unity at the grassroots.

He said millions of people from different political backgrounds had come together in Ankara without being asked which party they supported.

Yavaş reiterated his view that a democratic change of government in Türkiye could only be achieved through cooperation around common principles rather than opposition groups exhausting one another.

He said he had repeatedly warned that the prolonged internal disputes within the CHP, particularly the debate over the possible annulment of the party congress, could lead to a deep division within the party and damage broader hopes for democratic politics in Türkiye.

Yavaş then formally announced his decision:

“Due to some statements made today, I am leaving the Republican People’s Party and submit to the public that I will continue my political path as an independent.”

“Loyalty to the voters’ will is the honor of politics”

A significant part of Yavaş’s statement focused on the relationship between politicians and voters.

He argued that citizens do not vote merely for an individual name but also for a political will and that politicians have a responsibility to respect that mandate. Yavaş said he did not consider it right to disregard voters’ preferences or move positions won through their votes toward political destinations that voters had not endorsed.

“Loyalty to the voters’ will is the honor of politics,” Yavaş said.

He also thanked those with whom he had campaigned and worked under the CHP umbrella for three election cycles, stressing that he would not reject or disregard former political colleagues because of their current political choices.

Yavaş said he would continue serving as Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor independently, regardless of whether residents had voted for him or supported another political position.

“For me, being a mayor is not a stepping stone for a political career, but a trust entrusted by the people,” Yavaş said, adding that political positions and circumstances may change but responsibility toward the public should remain.

Yavaş concluded by taking full responsibility for his decision and leaving its assessment to the Turkish public.