“The Solution Lies in a CHP Government”

CHP Deputy Group Chair Ali Mahir Başarır visited Abide-i Hürriyet Square with Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki and met with tradespeople and residents at the Atatürk Neighborhood Market during his visit to Bornova for the opening of the Gülşah Durbay Youth Center. Highlighting the country’s economic difficulties, Başarır emphasized that the solution lies in a CHP-led government. Mayor Eşki stated that they will continue to expand public spaces in Bornova through a social municipal approach and stand by low-income citizens.

Ali Mahir Başarır carried out an intensive program in Bornova alongside Mayor Ömer Eşki. They toured Abide-i Hürriyet Square, which was opened last year by Bornova Municipality in Kazım Dirik Neighborhood, and received information about the project before heading to the Atatürk Neighborhood Market to meet shopkeepers and residents.

“Abide-i Hürriyet Square Is a Symbol of Protecting Democracy and the Republic”

Describing Abide-i Hürriyet as a symbol of freedom and the constitutional struggle, Başarır said:

“Municipalities that preserve such a name and dedicate public spaces to the service of the people are, in fact, standing up for the republic and democracy. This public-oriented approach produced at the local level needs to spread across all of Turkey.”

Mayor Ömer Eşki stated that they will continue increasing public spaces in Bornova:

“We do not see this square merely as a physical arrangement. It is a public space where citizens can freely come together. With our social municipalism approach, we are both improving quality of life in Bornova and strengthening solidarity.”

Economic Concerns at the Market: “Shopkeepers Are Struggling to Survive”

Following the square visit, Başarır and Eşki met with shopkeepers and residents at the Atatürk Neighborhood Market. They asked about prices at the stalls and listened to concerns, particularly about rising costs and declining purchasing power.

Başarır stated:

“Our tradespeople are being crushed under rising rent, electricity, and transportation costs. Citizens are struggling to access basic food products. The economic crisis in Turkey is the result of misguided economic policies. The solution lies in pro-people, production-oriented policies. This will be realized under a CHP government.”

Mayor Eşki emphasized that the municipality stands by low-income citizens:

“With our city restaurants, social support programs, and education and solidarity projects, we are trying to ease the burden on the people of Bornova. However, a lasting solution will come with change at the central level. What we implement locally—fair and transparent governance—we aim to realize at the national level as well.”

“Local Success Is a Harbinger of National Power”

Başarır stated that social municipal practices implemented by local governments serve as a model for Turkey.

“What we see in Bornova is this,” he said. “Where there is a people-oriented municipal approach, resources are used properly, public spaces expand, and citizens’ voices are heard. We aspire to carry this understanding across Turkey.”