Istanbul’ mayor Imamoglu: “They say ‘canal’, we say Istanbul.”

“They are opportunists, saying ‘we must build the canal.’ They say canal, we say Istanbul. They talk about the canal day and night. They act like it’s not on their agenda, but don’t believe it.

Do not believe it because they are compelled to build the Canal Istanbul. No mayoral candidate (for AKP obviously) for a metropolitan city can say ‘I am against the canal’, neither in Silivri nor anywhere else. They can’t say it as they fear they’ll get scolded. That’s why they continue with the tenders.

They made promises, commitments. And most of them (customers for residences) are from abroad. Not from here. That’s why they are trying to transfer Istanbul’s resources to a handful of local and foreign people. They give spoonfuls to the public and take them back with shovels. I give you my word; I will stand by my people until the very last moment of my duty, even in their hardest times.

I AM THE GUARDIAN OF THIS CITY

We will give people’s money back to the people. I will open the public areas to the public. I know how to be the guardian of Istanbul, to cherish the natural and historical riches of this city. You brought me to power so that I could protect this city from waste, greed, and betrayal. Isn’t that so? I will not disappoint you. Just stand behind us. They tried to stop us. They won’t succeed. Just don’t let them. Just bury the wasteful ones in history on March 31st. Just bury the greedy ones in history. People having to do with waste and greed will never be able to take office in Istanbul again. You will never again allow anyone “in whose eyes you read betrayal”, to govern this city. This city has built immunity. It has built immunity against these viruses. It has learned this over five years. Therefore, never vote for those who work for a handful of people (privileged/close to the top)”