Political Earthquake: 59 CHP Mayors Defect to AKP, 100 May Follow
Erdoğan
Since the March 31, 2024 local elections, at least 59 municipalities originally won by opposition parties have switched allegiance to the ruling AKP. Political insiders suggest that the number could climb to 100 before the end of this term, as more defections are reportedly in the pipeline.
Wave of Transfers From CHP to AKP
The latest transfer came when Beykoz Deputy Mayor Özlem Vural Gürzel resigned from the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and joined the AKP. At a ceremony where President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan personally pinned on her party badge, he said:
“I believe these new participations will continue.”
This trend has raised alarms inside the opposition, particularly within the CHP, as the balance of municipal power shifts toward the ruling party.
Legal Battles and Political Pressure
The developments coincide with mounting judicial and political pressure on CHP-led municipalities, including ongoing court cases and high-profile operations targeting major cities such as Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB). Analysts note that these legal processes have created uncertainty, prompting some mayors to reconsider their political future.
Bursa Mayor Mustafa Bozbey at the Center of Speculation
Among the most striking rumors is the possible defection of Bursa Metropolitan Mayor Mustafa Bozbey, a high-profile CHP figure. Sources cited by Turkish media claim that individuals close to Bozbey have maintained contact with AKP officials for some time. If Bozbey were to resign from CHP and join AKP, the ruling party’s number of metropolitan municipalities would rise to 14.
Speculation also surrounds Nilüfer Mayor Şadi Özdemir and Osmangazi Mayor Erkan Aydın, both said to be considering similar moves in the future.
Bozbey Denies the Allegations
Bozbey has already rejected reports of his defection, dismissing the rumors as politically motivated:
“I do not even consider claims spread by anonymous sources. Bursa gave us its trust just a year and a half ago, and we continue to serve.”
His denial came after similar speculation followed Aydın Mayor Özlem Çerçioğlu’s transfer to AKP, which triggered talk of a broader trend among CHP mayors.
Waiting for the CHP Congress Outcome
Some reports suggest that CHP mayors considering a switch are waiting for the outcome of the postponed party congress lawsuit before making their final decision. Should former party leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu return to the CHP, potential defectors are expected to reassess their options more cautiously.
A Growing Crisis Inside the Opposition
The possibility of 100 municipalities shifting from CHP to AKP would represent a major loss of local power for the opposition, further tilting the political balance ahead of future national contests. While the AKP frames these transfers as a show of confidence in Erdoğan’s leadership, opposition figures describe them as the result of political pressure, intimidation, and opportunism.