In a first interview following his loss, ultra-Orthodox candidate Meir Porush spoke to Ynet about the reasons for his defeat in Jerusalem's municipal elections.
"There are all sorts of elements within the (ultra-Orthodox) camp and out of it that caused this," he said. "The Orthodox camp was united, but one group within it changed its mind."
| Elections Win |
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| Barkat celebrates victory in Jerusalem / Ronen Medzini |
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(Video) Secular candidate defeats ultra-Orthodox opponent Meir Porush by 9% margin, launches festivities when preliminary results put him in lead. 'As of this morning I am mayor of all Jerusalemites,' he announces in early victory speech |
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Porush says he is doing well despite the loss but is tired after not sleeping the whole night.
"We made and effort and worked hard, but at the end of the day Barkat will be the mayor," he said. "Barkat prepared for several years, but he is not the one who prompted the victory. It is no secret that I ran because I wanted this job, but I don't have a sour taste in my mouth."
Asked whether he would have changed anything in the election campaign or in his conduct in the days prior to the vote, Porush replied, "I'm willing to listen to advice and recommendations, but I don’t see and don’t think I would change anything in the race. It wouldn’t have helped."
As for the rumors that he plans to quit the Jerusalem city council and continue serving as a Knesset member on behalf of the United Torah Judaism party, he said, "We have a few days to think things over and make a decision on the matter. I'll consult with the rabbis and do what they say."
Porush said he spoke to his rival, Jerusalem mayor-elect Nir Barkat. "I congratulated him, and I hope he maintains fairness and equality."
Does he believe Barkat will maintain the status-quo between the ultra-Orthodox and secular in the capital? "This is something you should ask him," Porush said.
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