Aydın Mayor Özlem Çerçioğlu Resigns from CHP Amid Internal Disputes

Özlem Çerçioğlu, Mayor of Aydın Metropolitan Municipality, has officially announced her resignation from the Republican People’s Party (CHP), alongside three district mayors. Her departure comes amid widespread speculation that she may join the Justice and Development Party (AKP).

In a statement posted on her X account, Çerçioğlu said she and the three district mayors had repeatedly sought solutions within CHP’s authorized bodies regarding internal problems but found no resolution. She cited anti-democratic practices, as well as her own commitment to integrity, lawful governance, and public ethics, as reasons for no longer being able to walk the same political path with CHP.

“Despite voicing my demands for honesty, ethics, and compliance with the law at every level to avoid reaching this point, my family and I were personally targeted,” she said. “As I no longer have the opportunity to continue politics within CHP, and as I see fit, I am resigning from party membership. As always, I will continue serving the people of Aydın with the same enthusiasm and determination, without discrimination.”

Her resignation marks a significant political shift in the region, with local political observers closely watching whether she will align herself with AKP ahead of potential political realignments.