AKP’s Oğuzhan Kaya Defends Trustee Appointments: 'Legal Basis Exists'

Legal Framework for Trustee Appointments
Speaking at the TBMM General Assembly, AKP Çorum Deputy Oğuzhan Kaya addressed the criticisms made by the Democracy and Progress Party (DEM) regarding trustee appointments. Kaya emphasized that there is a clear legal basis for such actions, stating, "Article 127 of the Constitution and Article 45 of the Municipalities Law No. 5393 explicitly regulate that if a mayor is under investigation or prosecution for crimes related to terrorism, the Minister of the Interior may suspend them and appoint a trustee."

Local Councils' Role in Selecting Mayors
Kaya reminded the Assembly that local councils have the right to select a new mayor in case of resignation or death of the sitting mayor, citing the example of Delice district in Kırıkkale, where the local council elected a new mayor after the passing of the former one. "The same process was followed in Beşiktaş Municipality," he added. However, he emphasized that the appointment of trustees in cases related to terrorism is a legal necessity.

Being Elected Does Not Grant Freedom to Commit Crimes
Responding to objections from the DEM Party ranks, Kaya remarked, "Being elected does not grant anyone the freedom to commit crimes. The law must be applied to mayors who are connected to terrorist organizations or who support them, as they are a threat to the state's existence."

Trustee Appointments Key to a Terror-Free Turkey
Kaya stressed that trustee appointments are a significant step in Turkey’s fight against terrorism, saying, "We believe that we are getting closer to our goal of a terror-free Turkey. Everyone must support this process for the unity and integrity of the nation."

Fierce Reaction from DEM Party: 'You Are Usurping the People's Will!'
In response to AKP’s defense of trustee appointments, DEM Party Group Deputy Chair Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit argued, "We submit these motions because they are unlawful. Trustees are violating the people's right to vote and be elected!" DEM Party Siirt Deputy Sabahat Erdoğan Sarıtaş also condemned the practice, stating, "You are disregarding the elected municipal council members, you are undermining the people's will! This is an assault on the will of the people!"