Resistance...

We have rolled into September. We have finished the summer. We are experiencing the first Saturday of autumn. In the early hours of the morning, I am listening to nature, accompanied by the scent of the jasmine in my garden. They are resisting with all their might against drought, thirst, and even fires. To resist is to live.

I hear the footsteps of resistance in Ankara and even across Turkey. The government is trying with all its might to hinder the rise of the CHP in Istanbul and throughout Turkey. Despite the fact that elections held under the supervision of the Supreme Election Council cannot be contested and the council's decisions are final, they are having them annulled. Prosecutors and legal experts, found and appointed on demand, have removed the Istanbul Provincial Congress—and consequently the Istanbul Provincial Chair, its administration, and disciplinary boards—from office and appointed trustees in their place. Why do I mention this? They ignored the fact that the cases should have been heard in Ankara. It is even said that nearly nine magistrates' courts in Ankara did not want to take the case.

In the face of the public's frequently asked, justified concerns such as "what will happen now?" and "where is the country heading?", Özgür Özel's rhetoric of "we will resist and we will win" brings relief to the hearts of the nation and society.

While Turkey should be talking about economic difficulties, poverty, and inflation, it is talking about nothing but the CHP. About two years ago, the civil court of first instance annulled the Istanbul provincial congress dated October 8, 2023. Naturally, things got chaotic.

I sincerely believe that the Chairman, who has the masses behind him, will overcome the conspiracies being plotted against the party.

Going to the people and those enthusiastic rallies or actions should be further enriched. New additional formats are needed. Representatives from segments of the public should also be on the bus. They should even speak. They have things to say on many issues, especially the cost of living and poverty.

First and foremost, all members and elected officials of the CHP—which was founded even before our Republic, now over a hundred years old—must come together to fiercely defend the headquarters and its principles. Measures must be taken to repel intrigues and all non-legal games. A mobilization must be declared within the party, from old and new members to elected officials and all administrations. All segments within the party, especially opposition groups, should be consulted frequently, and intra-party solidarity should be strengthened.

Second, a democratic front must be formed across the country. Resistance groups consisting of all political parties, NGOs, unions, bar associations, media organizations, chambers, and even democracy volunteers must be formed. What were we saying? "There is no salvation alone; either all together or none of us."

Resisting is the elixir of life. It is the main artery of the struggle. To carry our hundred-year-old Republic into the future and to crown our democracy once again, we must join everyone who stands for a modern life to the line of resistance.

In today's Women's World Volleyball match, our team resisted, believed, and with a great struggle, defeated Korea 3-1 in the semi-finals to write their names in the final. They made history. I congratulate them sincerely. I wish them continued success.

What did we say? "To resist is life, it is the future."