İYİ Party MP's Response to Buğra Kavuncu: 'What are you a spokesperson for, dishonor?'

A heated exchange has erupted within Turkey's İYİ Party following reports that Gaziantep MP Mehmet Mustafa Gürban is preparing to resign and join the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Gürban has reportedly removed "İYİ Party" from his social media profiles and deleted related posts, fueling speculation about his imminent departure.

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We cannot vouch for anyone's honor.

The controversy escalated after İYİ Party spokesperson Buğra Kavuncu, when asked about potential İYİ Party MPs defecting to the AKP, stated, "We cannot vouch for anyone's honor." Kavuncu also mentioned difficulties in contacting Gürban, saying, "I tried to call him a couple of times to talk, but his phone was off. I can't say we've become very close in that sense because I can't reach him. You need to communicate to come together."

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I tried to call him a couple of times to talk, but his phone was off. I can't say we've become very close in that sense because I can't reach him. You need to communicate to come together.

Gürban responded fiercely on X (formerly Twitter), calling Kavuncu's statement "unacceptable." He questioned Kavuncu's role as spokesperson if he could not vouch for the "honor" of İYİ Party MPs, including himself, three female MPs, and other colleagues. Gürban demanded to know if their honor was "found on the street" or if they allowed it to be used for political gain. He further challenged Kavuncu's definition of honor, pointing out the party's pride in welcoming members who left the MHP or AKP, asking if they too were considered dishonorable by Kavuncu's logic.

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If you cannot vouch for the honor of MPs in the İYİ Party, then what are you a spokesperson for? For dishonor?

Expressing his outrage, Gürban declared that Kavuncu's "shameful video" was unforgivable. He stated that such a contradiction and the questioning of MPs' honor were unacceptable. Gürban asserted that Kavuncu should be expelled from the party immediately, not just stripped of his spokesperson role. He concluded by stating that if Kavuncu could not guarantee or trust the people he represented, he should resign, adding that he himself had lived with honor for 46 years and had not sought tenders or flattered mayors like some others.

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We found our honor on the street? Or did we allow you to make political material out of it?