CHP's Ankara contender Mansur Yavaş signals candidacy for presidential elections

ANKARA Cansu ÇAMLIBEL

‘I want [to run for presidency]. It is the most honorable position. It is an honor for me even if my name is mentioned as a candidate,’ says Yavaş. HÜRRİYET photo, Levent KULU

The main opposition Republican People’s Party’s (CHP) candidate for the Ankara municipal post on the March 30 local elections, Mansur Yavaş, has signaled the red light for candidacy in the August presidential elections.

Yavaş said he would like to be named a candidate for the presidential elections, but also added he has not yet discussed such an option with CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu.

“Of course I want [to run for presidency]. It is the most honorable position. It is an honor for me even if my name is mentioned as a candidate. That means I am on the right path,” Yavaş told daily Hürriyet in an interview upon being questioned whether he wanted to run for presidency.

Yavaş also said he would unify the people against polarization when responding to why he would be a good candidate. “The government is discriminating against people. People feel like the protester who was kicked in Soma. My candidacy would be the end of this tension and polarization. I want to unite Turkey over our fundamental values,” said Yavaş.