Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş, a leading opposition figure and potential contender for the upcoming presidential election, has reaffirmed his support for a return to the parliamentary system. Speaking at the 34th Ordinary General Assembly of the OSTİM Industrialists and Businesspeople Association (OSİAD), Yavaş highlighted growing public discontent with the current governance model.
Support for Parliamentary Democracy
Citing a recent public survey, Yavaş stated that 67% of respondents favored reinstating the parliamentary system, arguing that Turkey’s current governance structure is ineffective and overly centralized.
“One person’s power and capacity are not enough for everything,” Yavaş said. “Even a computer would crash if it had to handle all decisions alone.”
He further emphasized that a lack of transparency and accountability was hampering governance, even within Ankara’s municipal administration. According to Yavaş, developed nations operate with systems that ensure government transparency, public participation, and accountability—a model he believes Turkey should adopt.
Criticism of Judicial Pressure and TÜSİAD Investigation
Yavaş also criticized recent judicial actions against TÜSİAD High Advisory Council President Ömer Arif Aras, viewing it as a move to suppress dissent. He warned that such legal pressures on business leaders and civil society organizations create an atmosphere of fear and discourage investment.
“No one is above the law, including TÜSİAD. But when TÜSİAD makes a statement, and within half an hour, the prosecution launches an investigation—immediately reported by pro-government media—this sends a clear message: ‘Do not speak, no one should speak!'” Yavaş remarked.
He stressed the importance of judicial independence, warning that Turkey’s current legal climate is stifling open discourse and investor confidence. “If no one speaks, how will we find the truth?” he asked.
A Potential Presidential Bid?
With Turkey heading toward the next presidential election, Yavaş’s increasing national visibility and calls for systemic reform have fueled speculation about his potential candidacy. As a popular opposition figure, particularly among urban voters, Yavaş could emerge as a strong contender against the ruling administration.
His emphasis on restoring parliamentary democracy, reinforcing judicial independence, and ensuring economic stability resonates with both the opposition and business communities. Political analysts suggest that his moderate stance and administrative track record in Ankara position him as a viable alternative leader for Turkey’s future.
“I believe OSTİM’s business community will benefit from this change,” Yavaş concluded. “Together, we can build a future based on accountability, transparency, and stability.”
As the opposition strategizes for the next election cycle, Yavaş’s growing influence and public appeal could make him a central figure in the race for Turkey’s presidency.
