Özlem Gürzel's statement "I was not printed in anyone's house" stirred up the city council.

03.02.2026 11:33

A heated debate occurred between Independent Council Member Bilgehan Murat Miniç and Vice President Özlem Gürzel at the Beykoz Municipal Council over party changes and corruption allegations. Gürzel's statement, "I was not raided in anyone's house," marked the session, and a break was called due to the tension experienced during the meeting.

The first session of the Beykoz Municipal Council in February was held at the municipal service building under the chairmanship of Deputy Mayor Özlem Gürzel. The intense discussions that took place in the non-agenda section of the meeting left a mark on the council.

CRITICISM OF PARTY CHANGE BY CHP MEMBER MINIÇ

Independent Council Member Bilgehan Murat Miniç took the podium and harshly criticized Deputy Mayor Özlem Gürzel for switching to the AK Party. Miniç described this situation as "unlawful," stating, "It may be legal, but this seat does not belong to her. The will of thousands of people has been taken away." Miniç also continued his criticisms with the words, "What can be said to a person who has no shame?"

STRONG RESPONSE TO 'FINANCIAL MISCONDUCT' ALLEGATIONS

After leaving the position of deputy mayor, Miniç also addressed the allegations of financial misconduct raised against him and the individuals he appointed. Firmly rejecting these allegations, Miniç said, "Whoever makes such an allegation should prove it. Those who cannot prove it are slanderers."

GÜRZEL: CHANGING PARTIES IS NOT SOMETHING TO BE ASHAMED OF

Following Miniç's statements, Deputy Mayor Özlem Gürzel stated that changing parties is not something to be ashamed of. Reminding that Miniç had also been involved in politics in different parties in the past, Gürzel argued that the criticisms were insincere.

"I WAS NOT RAIDED IN ANYONE'S HOUSE"

One of the statements that raised the tension of the discussion came from Gürzel. Claiming that Miniç had threatened her during her tenure as deputy mayor, Gürzel alleged that pressure was exerted through the building control unit. In her speech, Gürzel used the following expressions: "I did not do anything to be ashamed of, my conscience is clear. I have no company, no association, my accounts are open. I was not raided in anyone's house. I did not sneak through back doors."