Ankara mayor may run for Turkish president, media reports

Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas has signalled to the leadership of the opposition Republican People’s Party that he is ready to run for president “under any circumstances,” Turkish newspaper Yeni Şafak reported, citing sources.

The issue was reportedly discussed at a meeting last week between Yavas and party leader Ozgur Ozel, which lasted about 90 minutes.

According to the newspaper, Yavas does not plan to publicly announce his candidacy until the situation around Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who is facing legal proceedings, becomes clearer.