Turkey’s first and only communist mayor, Fatih Mehmet Macoglu, has been making headlines with his unexpected successes. Macoglu is the mayor of the small town of Ovacik in Tunceli province with a population of about 3,300.

Macoglu assumed his post in April 2014, facing great expectations and even greater hurdles. Notably, in the Nov. 1 general elections, Macoglu’s Communist Party did not receive a single vote in Ovacik. This discrepancy indicates that electing a Communist mayor was not an ideological issue for the residents of Ovacik. The choice was about Macoglu, his passion for service, his determination to help the people and his humility. He is a communist who genuinely praises democracy.

Macoglu campaigned with the slogan “We will make the decisions with the people,” and he has. He is a patient and careful listener who takes the views and suggestions of the people seriously. He proudly reiterates, “I am learning to govern from the people of Ovacik.” He is known to keep his door open to all visitors — in fact, he has no door. The day that he took office, Macoglu removed the door, so that the people of Ovacik can come in as they please.

In a country where it has become common for bureaucrats to indulge in luxury vehicles, Macoglu refuses to use his official car. Instead, with the money he's saved, he has been providing free bus services for Ovacik residents. Although most are delighted with this service, not everyone has been comfortable with it. Several residents are concerned that the municipality will run out of money. Some insist on paying. A compromise has been reached by putting out a donation box: The service is free but riders may donate money if they wish.