Özgür Özel reveals the name of the new party for the first time! 'For now...'

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, while evaluating the agenda during a television program, gave a clear date for the first time regarding a new political party. Stating that steps for the establishment of the party will be taken at the end of July or early August, Özel said, “We are working on the name and logo. For now, we can call it a 'new party,' but we are focusing on a name that will be widely accepted.”

Speaking to Sözcü regarding the preparations for the new party, Özel expressed that they aim to proceed simultaneously and in coordination by consulting with provincial chairs and the organization, adding, “July 20 is being awaited, our legal struggle continues, but these are matters of a week or two. Afterward, we will carry out the process in harmony with our elected provincial chairs,” he said.

Touching upon other political developments on the agenda, Özel criticized Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who remained silent on the arrest of Çankaya Mayor Hüseyin Güner. He clearly expressed his reaction with the words, “I found it very shameful; it burned my heart.”

Continuing his criticism of the AK Party, Özel assessed, “When I look at the ruling party, which was once faced with a coup, I do not see a party that respects election results; I see a party that imprisons the successful mayors of the CHP.” He also emphasized his commitment to democracy with the words, “I observe that they are interfering in the CHP's own elections and bringing in an appointed administration instead of elected ones. If the ballot box is being removed, taking to the streets is a legitimate right; just as it was on July 15. Those who were once faced with a coup are now trying to remove the ballot box.”

ALLEGED INTERNAL DISCOMFORT IN THE AK PARTY

Claiming that the operations carried out within the AK Party have caused discomfort in some circles within the party, Özel said, “News is coming from everywhere. It is said that many of our friends within the AKP are also uncomfortable with the operations. They are contacting each of us. We hear that these actions are not approved by a silent but powerful group within the AKP. Those who are uncomfortable with this should speak up. But those who are not uncomfortable should not talk about democracy today,” he said.

Recalling his stance regarding the night of July 15, Özel emphasized that the opposition took a clear stance against the coup and stated that the attitude within their party belonged to the party, not to him personally.

While addressing internal party discussions, Özel stated that Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's statement, “I could not remove the FETÖ members,” was not directed at him personally, and defended his place in the party and his past record with the words, “You can call everyone a FETÖ member, but you cannot call Özel and his team that; they were always by your side when you were being called a FETÖ member.”

News Source: 12punto