Murat Kurum reacts to Özgür Özel's 'paid military service' remarks: 'Who are you to...'

People's Alliance Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) mayoral candidate Murat Kurum, attended the "Southeastern Table Istanbul Meeting" program held at a hotel in Bahçelievler as part of his local election campaign.

Speaking after the program, Kurum targeted the incumbent IMM Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and CHP leader Özgür Özel .

Claiming that Istanbul has been suffering for 5 years, Kurum stated his belief that Istanbul residents, considering this hardship, will elect the People's Alliance with a record number of votes.

REACTION TO ÖZGÜR ÖZEL REGARDING PAID MILITARY SERVICE

Reacting to CHP Chairman Özgür Özel's comments on paid military service, Kurum stated the following;

"Today, we witnessed another example of this erratic behavior. Do you know what the incompetent co-Chairman of the CHP, Mr. Özgür, has come out and said? He calls our 650,000 sons of the homeland who performed paid military service 'deserters.' What does he say? 'We want votes from those who love Turkey, not from those who flee to paid military service.' Can you imagine? The co-Chairman of a party is saying this. The CHP's co-Chairman, Mr. Özgür, has made us the target of his tongue. Why? Because on the evening of March 31, he will leave that co-Chairmanship. On the evening of March 31, both he and the part-time mayor here, Ekrem Bey, whose arrogance has clouded his judgment, will be going on permanent vacation. Now, together with our brothers and sisters here, we say to Mr. Özgür, the co-Chairman: 'Who are you to question the patriotism of our 650,000 young people and their families? You are accusing them of treason and lack of love for the homeland. Who are you to make such an accusation against our brilliant youth? Does your ear hear what your mouth is saying? Who gives you this authority?'"

Claiming that Özel engages in dirty politics, Kurum added, "Aren't you the one who went to a martyr's funeral and laughed there? This nation knows very well who you are and what you are. We have never allowed you to sow seeds of discord among our people, and we will not allow it from now on. We are addressing Mr. Özgür from this table, together with our brothers and sisters from the East and Southeast who love their homeland. No one can label our youth or any child of this nation. Especially those who laugh at a martyr's funeral cannot say a single word on this subject. But don't you worry, the children and youth of this nation will give you the necessary answer at the ballot box on March 31." he said.

WHAT DID ÖZGÜR ÖZEL SAY?

Speaking in the Soma district of Manisa, CHP Chairman Özgür Özel had stated, "We want votes from those who love Turkey. Not from those who flee to paid military service. We want votes from those who are willing to give their lives for this homeland if necessary."

News Source: 12punto