Dear Citizens,
Dear Local Leaders,
We are stepping into
a new and hopeful era in the history of our municipalities. This new
period is shaped not so much by politicians as by the will expressed by
our nation in the 2019 and 2024 local elections. In both elections, our
citizens managed to break free from the heavy political polarization
that has long plagued our country. The unique dynamics of local politics
have operated strongly in these elections, and the choises of our 86
million citizens have been formed on a realistic and rational basis.
This
noble nation has emphasized and demanded not a particular political
party but a specific political approach in local elections. The demand
of the citizens is to remove politics from being a privilege and power
struggle. There must be strong cooperation and solidarity among all
political and administrative actors against major and pressing issues.
I
believe that the first step we will take on this path is to establish
high-level cooperation and solidarity mechanisms between municipalities.
We must also ensure that this climate of cooperation and solidarity
prevails between local administrations and central government. There is
no other way to use public resources most efficiently and to solve the
problems of our cities effectively and quickly.
The Union of
Municipalities of Türkiye aims to enhance cooperation and solidarity
among municipalities, to intellectually and practically develop
municipal governance, and to increase the welfare of our citizens. This
mission includes the transfer of experience and collaborative efforts.
We are determined to make the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye an
institution where none of its members feels any sense of discrimination.
In
the new period, the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye will work with a
completely egalitarian and democratic approach. Our Union will focus on
producing more and higher quality work and achieving more favorable
outcomes for citizens. Starting with ourselves, we will renew the
institutional structure of local administrations. With the active
participation of local administrations, we will implement a reform that
will re-establish the balance between central and local government and
strengthen local governance.
Throughout my term, I will work with
all my strength to achieve these goals. In line with the principles of
justice, equality, and efficiency in local governance, we will together
create strong, resilient, and livable cities.
With love and respect,
Ekrem İMAMOĞLU
President of the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye
Mayor of Istanbul