Beykoz Deputy Mayor Özlem Vural Gürzel resigns from CHP: 'I was subjected to sexist remarks'

Beykoz Deputy Mayor Özlem Vural Gürzel has resigned from the CHP.

Özlem Vural Gürzel used the following expressions in her post:

"Respectfully announced to the public

I have been serving as the Deputy Mayor of Beykoz since March 10, 2025. As a politician who has adopted the principles of honesty, justice, and the supremacy of public interest while taking on this role and throughout my tenure, my sole priority has been to ensure that all work and transactions at the Beykoz Municipality are carried out within the framework of the law and without deviating from integrity, in a way that benefits the entire public of Beykoz, not just certain individuals. My conscience is extremely clear on this matter. I have no accounts that I cannot answer for to the people of Beykoz and the authorized bodies.

However, in response to this stance I maintained throughout my term, I was subjected to insults and sexist remarks by the elected mayor and some individuals in my council group simply because I did not fulfill their personal ambitions. The baseless accusations, slanders, and pressures amounting to psychological violence directed at me have exceeded my limit of tolerance.

I will never forget that when I explained the situation I was in during this period to my party officials, those I addressed did not defend me, did not validate me, did not understand me, and even left me all alone.

Unfortunately, I did not witness any attempt at a solution within the party, other than suggestions that I should continue my deputy mayoral duty by bowing to the threats and pressures I was subjected to.

Despite this, I would like it to be known that I am supported and valued only by the council members from the Justice and Development Party and the Nationalist Movement Party, and most importantly, by the people of Beykoz.

Finally, despite all this, at the hearing held at the Anatolian Courthouse 17th High Criminal Court, which I attended, the situation has become unbearable due to the heavy slanders and untrue accusations directed at me by the elected mayor of Beykoz Municipality and his private secretary, despite my having no connection to the trial.

Under these circumstances, as I cannot provide useful services to the people of Beykoz under the roof of the CHP, I respectfully announce to the public that I have resigned from the Republican People's Party.

Özlem Vural Gürzel

Deputy Mayor of Beykoz Municipality"