CHP leader Özgür Özel announces roadmap: 'The party has effectively shut down'

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, who marched to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey along with deputies, party members, and supporters following the police intervention at the CHP Headquarters, answered questions from journalists at the entrance of the Parliament.

Stating that they do not recognize the "absolute nullity" decision issued by the appellate court, Özel announced that he was re-elected as the Parliamentary Group Chairman to prevent a management vacuum within the party.

Özel said, "Friends, as you know, I served as group deputy chairman for 9 years before becoming Chairman. I was also the group chairman for the last 6 months. Then, when I was elected Chairman, the group chairmanship continued automatically. Even though we do not recognize the decision, and even though no legal expert in Turkey can justify the nullity and injunction decisions, I was re-elected as the Parliamentary Group Chairman yesterday by holding another vote—with only one vote missing from our colleagues—to ensure there is no turbulence. I will continue to perform this duty from now on."

"A CONGRESS MUST BE HELD WITHIN 40 DAYS"

Özgür Özel stated that an extraordinary congress should be held within the CHP as soon as possible. Expressing that there is a strong expectation in this direction both within the party and among the public, Özel noted that the delegates had previously supported him with full authority twice.

Özel stated, "There is a consensus within the group and an incredible demand from the public that the Republican People's Party must hold a congress within 40 days. The delegates authorized me with full votes twice after that competitive congress; on April 6 and September 21. Therefore, the only thing they should do from here on is this: Let them announce that they will hold a congress without delay."

Continuing his remarks regarding the process within the party, Özel said, "The nation no longer has the patience to accept anyone who is a partner to such a coup as a CHP member."

"A COUP IS BEING CARRIED OUT WITHIN THE PARTY BY THE PALACE"

Evaluating the crowd gathered in front of the CHP Headquarters and the march, Özel stated that the reaction emerging in society is a reflex to protect democracy.

"There is social tension here. This tension is protecting democracy, embracing the democratic regime with political parties, and objecting to coups," said Özel, also recalling the July 15 process and the legal proceedings against Ekrem İmamoğlu.

Özel stated, "On July 15, when the AK Party was targeted, I stood on the side of democracy; I did not stand on the side of the coup plotters. On March 19, when Ekrem İmamoğlu was targeted, I stood on the side of the nation, not the coup plotters. Today, a coup is being carried out within the party by the palace. I am standing on the side of the nation against this coup."

"WE WILL COLLECT SIGNATURES, WE WILL CONVENE THE PARTY ASSEMBLY"

Responding to a question about what path will be followed if a congress decision is not made, Özgür Özel said that all powers granted by the party bylaws and the Law on Political Parties will be utilized.

Özel said, "We will use all the powers granted by the Law on Political Parties and the bylaws. We will collect signatures and call the Party Assembly to an extraordinary meeting. We will do whatever we can within the Party Assembly that has the force of a decision. We will increase social pressure."

Stating that the CHP administration cannot be seized through a "political snatch-and-grab" method, Özel said, "The administration of the Republican People's Party is not a place that can be held by saying, 'I took it and ran, it's mine now, I won't give it to anyone' through a political snatch-and-grab."

"THE PARTY HAS EFFECTIVELY SHUT DOWN AT THIS MOMENT"

Responding to the question of whether he would remain in Ankara during the Eid al-Adha holiday, Özel stated that the struggle will continue in the streets and squares from now on.

"From now on, when we need a room or a roof, that roof is the roof of the Grand National Assembly. But primarily, we are in the streets, in the squares, and with the people," said Özel, noting that they will continue their work in all 81 provinces of Turkey.

Emphasizing that political parties should be managed by their members and delegates, Özel stated, "If it is not the members or delegates of a political party who decide who will lead it, but rather its opponent, then that party is effectively closed."

News Source: 12punto