Erdoğan Announces CHP Defector Özlem Vural Gürzel to Join AK Party

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has announced that Özlem Vural Gürzel, Deputy Mayor of Beykoz, will officially join the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) following her resignation from the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). Gürzel, along with other CHP members who recently left the party, is expected to be formally welcomed into the AK Party with a badge ceremony this weekend.

The development marks a significant political shift in Beykoz, where CHP recently held a majority in the municipal council. Gürzel’s departure was followed by the resignation of two additional CHP council members, tipping the balance in favor of the AK Party.

Erdoğan Confirms New Party Membership

According to reports from CNN Türk, Erdoğan disclosed Gürzel’s move during a meeting of the AK Party’s Central Executive and Decision-Making Board (MKYK). He also participated in symbolic badge ceremonies for Hasan Ustaoğlu, Mayor of Seydişehir, and Mesut Mertcan, Mayor of Emirgazi.

Erdoğan is expected to personally present Gürzel and the other newly defected Beykoz municipal council members with their AK Party badges at the closing session of the AK Party Organization Academy program scheduled for this weekend.

Political Realignment in Istanbul’s Beykoz District

The defection of Gürzel and other CHP representatives signals a power shift in Beykoz Municipality, one of Istanbul’s significant districts. Local observers note that the move could reshape municipal decision-making and highlight broader dynamics of political realignment ahead of Turkey’s next election cycle.

For the AK Party, gaining ground in Beykoz represents not only a symbolic victory but also a potential boost to its grassroots presence in Istanbul, a city considered the political heartland for both the government and the opposition.

Erdoğan’s Remarks on Domestic and Foreign Policy

During the MKYK meeting, Erdoğan went beyond party matters to address both domestic unity and international security concerns. Referring to a recent incident in Doha, he condemned the attack on a Hamas delegation in Qatar, reportedly carried out by Israel.

“The treacherous attack in Qatar shows once again how correct our decision on the Iron Dome was,” Erdoğan said.

He also emphasized the importance of unity within the People’s Alliance (Cumhur İttifakı), the governing coalition between the AK Party and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP).

“We are building a Turkey without terrorism. The executor and protector of this effort is the People’s Alliance. We will not allow those who try to sow discord among us,” Erdoğan declared.

His remarks were widely interpreted as both a message of solidarity to coalition partners and a warning against attempts to destabilize the political front ahead of future elections.

Broader Implications of the Defection

Political analysts suggest that Gürzel’s defection reflects ongoing internal challenges within CHP, where debates about leadership, party strategy, and local governance continue to create rifts. For the AK Party, welcoming high-profile CHP figures provides both organizational momentum and a chance to project the image of a broad-based political movement.

The timing of Gürzel’s move—amid Erdoğan’s push for greater party discipline and unity—reinforces the narrative of the AK Party as a center of political stability.

A Symbolic Ceremony with Strategic Impact

The badge ceremony planned for the weekend may carry symbolic weight beyond a routine party membership ritual. By personally attaching the AK Party emblem to Gürzel and her colleagues, Erdoğan is expected to signal loyalty, recognition, and a new chapter in local politics.

Observers note that such public ceremonies are designed not only to integrate new members but also to project party strength to wider audiences, especially in Istanbul where municipal politics remain closely tied to national power struggles.

Realignment in Local Politics

The defection of Özlem Vural Gürzel and the subsequent shift of majority in Beykoz’s municipal council represent a notable turning point in Istanbul’s political landscape. As Erdoğan personally prepares to welcome former opposition members into his party, the move underscores both the AK Party’s ability to expand its influence and the challenges facing the CHP in retaining internal cohesion.