Özgür Özel: Even if the entire opposition unites, we cannot call for an early election

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel answered questions from t24 reporter Cansu Çamlıbel. Özel made critical assessments on many topics, from the Sinan Ateş case to early elections, and from TRNC policy to normalization in politics.

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Özgür Özel: Even if the entire opposition unites, we cannot call for an early election

Speaking about the Sinan Ateş assassination, the trial for which is being held today, Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman Özgür Özel stated, "As far as I can see, the Sinan Ateş case is a case that both strains and binds the People's Alliance together. The Sinan Ateş case makes the AK Party's job very difficult, while at the same time, it binds the MHP and the AK Party to each other. So, it has an effect in two directions."

"THOSE WHO GOVERN THE COUNTRY ARE TAKING A HISTORIC RISK"

Drawing attention to the MHP connection in the assassination, Özel said, "The person who sent Sinan Ateş's location before the murder was messaging with MHP deputy chairmen from the same phone multiple times on the same day, and those names are not included in this indictment. Who can you convince of this? I think those who govern the country are taking a very historic risk right now, they are making a very historic mistake."

"IF ERDOĞAN WANTS TO BE A CANDIDATE AGAIN, HE WILL DECIDE ON AN EARLY ELECTION"

Evaluating the issue of early elections, which is frequently discussed in public, the CHP leader said, "Even if the entire opposition unites, we still cannot call for an early election. For example, if Erdoğan dissolves the Parliament himself tomorrow, he cannot be a candidate, but if the Parliament decides on an early election with 360 deputies, he can be a candidate. Now, the date I am talking about is a year and a half from now, which is exactly the middle of Erdoğan's second presidential term."

"WE WILL DEFEAT ERDOĞAN AT THE BEGINNING OF 2026"

Responding to the question, "Instead of convincing Erdoğan for an early election, if you wait for 2028, that is, the normal election date, Erdoğan cannot be a candidate anyway. Why would you take such a risk?", Özel said, "He cannot be, but then you have to endure it for another two and a half years. I am saying that we will defeat Erdoğan in the election to be held a year and a half from today, that is, at the beginning of 2026."