Özgür Özel emphasizes the constitution: "A decision for a by-election must be made"

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel visited the headquarters of the Left Party (SOL Parti) as part of his visits to political parties regarding the upcoming by-election agenda. Accompanying Özel were CHP executives Selin Sayek Böke, Serkan Özcan, and Gökçe Gökçen. Representing the Left Party at the meeting were Önder İşleyen, along with İlknur Başel, İsmail Hakkı Tombul, and Gizem Özdem.

During the meeting, which lasted approximately one hour, current political developments and economic issues were discussed. Afterward, the executives of the two parties held a joint press conference.

Addressing the country's current economic conditions, CHP Chairman Özel said, "Our struggle continues to protect the rights of the segments we represent. The economic effects caused by the war in Iran, fuel price hikes, and exorbitant increases in everything from pins to needles are severely affecting society. For this reason, an additional regulation on the minimum wage and pensions must be brought to the agenda immediately." Özel noted that they presented their proposals in this context to the Left Party representatives in a report.

VIEWS ON BY-ELECTIONS ON THE AGENDA

Reiterating his call for a political ethics law, Özel argued that not only members of parliament but also mayors, ministers, and the president should transparently disclose their assets.

Touching upon the dual attitude regarding the implementation of the Constitution, the CHP leader said, "Some cannot act according to certain articles of the Constitution while ignoring others. If the provisions of the Constitution are valid for the Presidency and the formation of Parliament, they are also valid for by-elections. It is a necessity for everyone who receives authority from the nation to abide by that constitution. While it is clearly evident that a by-election should be held, the obstruction of this right is unacceptable."

Özel also emphasized that Parliament is obligated to hold a by-election according to the Constitution due to the missing members of parliament in many electoral districts, particularly regarding the Hatay parliamentary seat. He posed the question, "If the AK Party claims to be the leading party in the elections, why are they avoiding a by-election?"

EMPHASIS ON COOPERATION OF ALL OPPOSITION

Touching upon the necessity of continuing inter-party dialogue after the meeting, Özel said, "As the opposition, we need to be united in our social demands. It is essential that we defend democracy through this cooperation and continue our joint struggle for fundamental rights." He also expressed his gratitude to the Left Party for the solidarity shown against coup attempts and interventions directed at the Constitution.

Responding to a question from journalists, he stated, "The upcoming elections will be a choice between autocracy and democracy. We must all resist together against the mindset that wants to suspend democracy through non-ballot box means. The field is ours; we will play the game by its rules, and then we will compete among ourselves."

When asked whether the meeting signals a period in Turkey where shared responsibilities among political parties are brought to the forefront, Özel replied, "We advocate for this because, first, we will all defend democracy together. Afterward, even if our programs differ, the competition will still take place at the ballot box."

News Source: 12punto