Özgür Özel's statement on 'Hatay' and 'Lütfü Savaş': 'We could not develop an alternative'

Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman Özgür Özel answered journalists' questions in İzmir.

Speaking about the promotional film that became a topic of discussion because Hatay candidate Lütfü Savaş was not included, Özel said the following:

"That commercial was filmed on February 5. However, our Mayor (Lütfü Savaş) was not with us because he had to be in Hatay on that date; he was in Hatay. Furthermore, Mr. Savaş had said, 'It wouldn't be very appropriate for me to appear in a musical commercial anyway.' I found him to be right. The commercial featuring our other 6 mayors will also be on screen soon." 

'WE COULD NOT DEVELOP AN ALTERNATIVE TO LÜTFÜ SAVAŞ'

On the other hand, responding to the question "Does the uncertainty in Hatay continue?", Özel stated, "For now, we have not been able to develop an alternative to Lütfü Savaş in Hatay."

The CHP leader conveyed the following:

"The latest survey in Hatay is being reported today as part of our assessment. Whatever happened in Hatay and the entire earthquake region; 99 percent of it is related to the government managing the country. Our Mayor is, of course, not exempt from criticism. We are also listening to the criticisms. But let us tell all our citizens this; if there are 100 reactions in Hatay, 99 of them are directed at the government. We also care about social media. But we also care about what Hatay is saying. We are in the field for the 5th survey in Hatay. The moment we produce an alternative that is more favored than Lütfü Savaş in Hatay, Lütfü Savaş himself does not say 'no' to this, but in all the measurements we have conducted so far, we have not been able to develop an alternative to Lütfü Savaş for the people of Hatay. We are truly making an effort in this regard. Our party will make the final decision on this tomorrow, and we will decide accordingly. Lütfü Savaş is not flawless, he is not exempt from criticism, but Lütfü Savaş is not the sole person responsible for everything that happened, nor is he the scapegoat for what occurred."

News Source: 12punto