09.02.2026 00:00
The CHP General Chairman Özgür Özel responded to the allegations of insults made by Keçiören Mayor Mesut Özarslan, who resigned from the CHP, stating, "He is lying, he says 'He insulted my family, my mother, my father,' but there is no such thing."
After the resignation of Keçiören Mayor Mesut Özarslan from the CHP, there were heated moments within the CHP. In his resignation statement, Özarslan claimed that CHP Chairman Özgür Özel insulted him, using very harsh expressions in his resignation announcement.
Özarslan drew attention with his statements, "Can a chairman insult a mayor? Can a chairman target family values and insult? Can a chairman threaten with words that should not be spoken?"
RESPONSE TO THE INSULT CLAIM FROM ÖZGÜR ÖZEL
CHP Chairman Özgür Özel spoke to journalist İsmail Saymaz regarding Özarslan's claims. According to Saymaz, Özel denied the insult allegations.
In his statement, Özel said, "He is lying, he says 'He insulted my family, my mother, my father,' there is no such thing. The words I said are this; look, the words I said to him are this: 'They called you a thief, I called you and asked. You said, 'There is no such thing, I have no corruption or theft, they are slandering.' I believed you, I trusted you. Now you are going to those who call you a thief, you are leaving those who trusted you."
There is absolutely nothing against the family. I said, 'What you are doing will embarrass the mother who gave birth to you, your children, and your future grandchildren.' Then I said, 'If I ever get something in my hand or if we meet one day, I will never forgive you.'
THERE WERE RUMORS ABOUT HIM JOINING THE AK PARTY
Additionally, there were rumors in the corridors that Özarslan would join the AK Party. Journalist Sinan Burhan stated that Mesut Özarslan, who was elected as the Mayor of Keçiören from the Republican People's Party, would join the ranks of the AK Party, saying, "It seems certain that Keçiören Mayor Mesut Özarslan will switch to the AK Party."
Regarding the same claim, AK Party member Savcı Sayan also made a statement, confirming the transfer rumors and sharing the date Özarslan would join the AK Party. Sayan said, "My source is as strong as steel. Keçiören Mayor Mesut Özarslan will be with us in the AK Party on Wednesday. Three strong figures have convinced our President."