18.02.2026 18:11
Last year, regarding claims that he would switch to the AK Party, Afyonkarahisar Mayor Burcu Köksal stated, "I am where I am. I am not going anywhere in defiance of those who do not want me in the party," during a visit to Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum. After visiting Minister Kurum, Keçiören Mayor Mesut Özarslan was also rumored to be switching to the AK Party. Although Özarslan resigned from the CHP, he did not switch to the AK Party.
Afyonkarahisar Mayor Burcu Köksal visited the Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Murat Kurum, at his office. Köksal, who strongly denied claims that she would switch to the AK Party in the past period, stated, "I am not going anywhere in defiance of those who do not want me in the party," thus putting an end to the discussions.
KÖKSAL'S VISIT TO MINISTER KURUM
Köksal's visit was recorded as an institutional meeting conducted within the scope of local government projects, contrary to the claims in political circles. Minister Kurum stated the following regarding the visit: "We welcomed Afyonkarahisar Mayor Burcu Köksal at our Ministry.
We had a productive meeting regarding the issues of our city, especially urban transformation projects. We will continue to act together for the future of our cities with our local governments."
ÖZARSLAN RESIGNED FROM CHP AFTER VISITING KURUM
The name of Keçiören Mayor Mesut Özarslan, who went through a similar process, was also mentioned in connection with transfer claims after his meeting with Minister Kurum. Although Özarslan drew attention by resigning from the CHP during this process, he did not switch to the AK Party contrary to expectations. While both individuals evaluated their ministry visits as service-oriented working meetings, the contacts of the mayors with the central government continue to maintain their place on the political agenda.