CHP Loses Majority in Beykoz After Mass Resignations

The Republican People’s Party (CHP) has lost its majority in the Beykoz Municipal Council following the resignation of three key members. Councilors Uğur Gökdemir and Murat Uzun announced their departure from the party, just one day after Deputy Mayor Özlem Vural Gürzel also quit CHP.

With these resignations, CHP’s fragile dominance in Beykoz was broken, sparking speculation that the departing members could join the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

Uğur Gökdemir: “I Felt Abandoned”

In his statement shared on social media, Uğur Gökdemir said he had dedicated years to CHP and served as a municipal councilor to represent the people of Beykoz. However, he described recent developments as deeply exhausting and disheartening.

Gökdemir said he was left without support during legal proceedings brought against him:

“Every evening, while my name appeared in the news, I felt abandoned on a road where we were supposed to stand shoulder to shoulder. Despite all this, I carry no resentment toward my party or fellow colleagues. I thank everyone I’ve walked with until today. But under these conditions, I have decided it is no longer right to continue my CHP membership. As of today, I resign from my party. From now on, I will continue to defend the rights, justice, and interests of the people of Beykoz as an independent council member.”

Murat Uzun: “Divisive Leadership Weakened the Party”

Another councilor, Murat Uzun, also announced his resignation, directly criticizing CHP’s Beykoz District Chairman Mahir Taştan.

Uzun claimed the district leadership weakened unity instead of building solidarity:

“Unfortunately, the district chairman and his administration pursued a divisive and weakening attitude, rather than uniting the council group. Behind closed doors, they collaborated with certain members, undermining common sense and solidarity. This self-serving mindset put personal ambitions ahead of Beykoz’s interests and prevented our group from being effective in the council.”

He emphasized that his decision was based on principle, not personal ambition:

“For me, what matters is not seats, offices, or personal calculations, but Beykoz’s future and the interests of its people. With this understanding, I resign from CHP and declare that I will continue along a path that prioritizes the will of the people and Beykoz’s welfare.”

Deputy Mayor Gürzel Quit Earlier

The resignations came on the heels of a dramatic move by Özlem Vural Gürzel, who had been serving as Deputy Mayor of Beykoz after Mayor Alaattin Köseler was suspended from office. Gürzel also announced her resignation from CHP, claiming she faced pressure and threats and that her only support came from AKP, MHP, and Beykoz residents.

Her departure marked the first major crack in CHP’s Beykoz representation, quickly followed by Gökdemir and Uzun’s exits.

CHP Loses Majority in Beykoz

With the three resignations, CHP has now lost its council majority in Beykoz, significantly weakening the party’s influence in one of Istanbul’s key districts. Political observers note that the timing and alignment of the resignations could shift power toward the AKP, especially if the defectors formally join the ruling party’s ranks.

While none of the three resigning figures confirmed whether they would join AKP, speculation has intensified, further fueling political debates around CHP’s stability and internal divisions.

Growing Political Tensions

The developments highlight the growing political fragility within CHP, particularly at the local level. Analysts suggest that the resignations could have wider implications for opposition politics in Istanbul, where CHP faces both legal challenges and internal conflicts.

For Beykoz residents, the sudden loss of CHP’s majority may alter council dynamics and impact how local governance is shaped in the coming months.