Özgür Özel speaks in Morocco: 'CHP is marching toward power'

CHP Chairman and Socialist International Vice President Özgür Özel attended the Socialist International Council meeting held in Rabat. The meeting took place as a routine gathering held every six months.

Addressing the participants after the meeting, Özgür Özel made statements regarding international issues. While stating that global support for democracy has reached 90 percent, Özgür Özel described the rise of radical right-wing leaders as a "democracy paradox."

Emphasizing the need for lasting solutions in Syria and Palestine, Özel called on Socialist International members to take action for the Middle East.

Özel's statements are as follows:

I would like to begin my remarks by condemning terrorism, regardless of who it comes from, where it comes from, for what purpose, or in what scale, and by evaluating the fight against it as the most honorable and important struggle of humanity.

"DEMOCRACY PARADOX"

Dear comrades, for some time now, the influence of right-wing populism, the radical right, and political understandings that rely on electoral authoritarianism has been increasing in the world. This trend challenges the fundamental principles of democracy and human rights. At the same time, this political understanding increases social polarization, blocks the path to demands for social change, and pushes many fundamental rights such as women's rights, labor rights, and environmental rights into the background.

According to the United Nations Development Programme's 2023-2024 Human Development Report, leaders who erode the fundamental rules and institutions of democracy are unfortunately increasing their power. On the other hand, global support for democracy is at the 90 percent level. This is called the democracy paradox.

CALLED FOR ACTION FOR THE MIDDLE EAST

While Turkey is struggling with the migration problem, our fundamental expectation and call is for solidarity that will share the burden of migration in a fair manner. The Middle East has once again turned into a place of fire. What is happening in Gaza on one side and Syria on the other is on the world's agenda. It should also be our priority agenda. It is our moral responsibility as social democrats to defend peace and human rights in solidarity on both issues.

There is an urgent need to end the humanitarian tragedy in Palestine and to find a fair and lasting solution. All social democratic parties and governments around the world must act in solidarity in defending lasting peace and a two-state solution in Palestine.

"CONSTRUCTION OF A DEMOCRATIC REGIME IN SYRIA IS ESSENTIAL"

In Syria, it is essential to urgently build a democratic regime that will secure the rights of all Syrian citizens under constitutional guarantee and respect all identities and religious beliefs. While doing this, sensitivity must be shown regarding the protection of Syria's territorial integrity. All social democratic parties and governments should also support this process.

"CHP IS MARCHING TOWARD POWER"

Overcoming this paradox is possible with the determined will of the social democratic understanding that defends a fair, safe, and secure order in every field. It is promising to see that the social support for this will is strong in different geographies of the world. For example, the Republican People's Party, which I lead, emerged from the recent local elections in Turkey in first place. Moreover, it has become Turkey's number one party after 47 years and is confidently marching toward power.

The municipalities we have won are currently turning into concrete areas of application for the fundamental principles of social democracy. These solidarity-based, development-oriented, and welfare-based practices are both dissipating the climate of polarization and paving the way for social justice and development.

News Source: 12punto