CHP expels Bolu mayor over social media posts

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Bolu Mayor Tanju Özcan has been expelled from the Republican People's Party (CHP) following a disciplinary hearing today, following a series of controversies surrounding his remarks and social media activities.

Known for his anti-refugee stance, Özcan had previously made headlines in 2021 when he implemented a controversial decision to increase water bills and garbage taxes for foreign residents in the city by tenfold. The decision was later overturned by an administrative court.

Moreover, Özcan found himself in the midst of internal party tensions after openly demanding the resignation of CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu following the defeat in the May presidential election.

Sexist remarks

The party had previously taken action against Özcan when he was temporarily expelled for one year in 2022 due to his use of sexist language during a YouTube program. After the expulsion period ended, Özcan rejoined the party on June 13. However, on June 22, the party spokesperson, Faik Öztrak, announced that Özcan faced a definite expulsion request due to certain posts on his social media accounts.

Following today's meeting, the committee officially announced the decision to expel Özcan.

The expulsion was based on the party's statutes, particularly the section regarding "party crimes requiring definite expulsion," which includes actions contrary to the party's program, rules, congress decisions, and decisions of authorized organs and groups, as well as engaging in behavior inconsistent with the duties and responsibilities within the party and membership.

In response to his expulsion process, Özcan had carried out a "Change and Justice" march from Bolu to CHP's headquarters in Ankara. (AÖ/VK)