Former Parliament Speaker Şentop warns CHP on 'courtesy and standards'
Former Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) Mustafa Şentop made significant assessments regarding the language of politics and the approach to opposition in Turkey. Stating that common ground can be found between different views, Şentop expressed that these areas should be prioritized in politics.
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Emphasizing common ground in politics, Şentop stated that the approach to opposition should not be built solely on objection. He specifically expressed that the CHP should adopt criticisms that include courtesy and elegance instead of harsh rhetoric.
Şentop made the following statements during a program he attended on Ekol TV:
Stating that "there are actually many issues in Turkey on which we can reach a consensus," Şentop emphasized that holding opposing views does not mean objecting to everything. Expressing that the opposition struggles to make this distinction, Şentop said, "We should not hesitate to put forward the issues we agree on. Because we can only build our disagreements on that foundation."
REACTION FROM ŞENTOP TO CHP
Drawing attention to the language used in political debates, Şentop alleged that a harsh and insulting style has been preferred in the rhetoric of the Republican People's Party (CHP) in recent times.
"SAYING WHATEVER COMES TO MIND IS NOT POLITICS"
Stating that insult is an "easy language," Şentop said, "Anyone can do that. However, the essence of politics is to be able to express even the harshest criticism in an elegant and witty way. Not by diving into the subject bluntly and rudely. Closing your eyes and saying whatever comes to your mouth is not actually politics."
"CRITICISMS MUST BE MADE WITH A DECENT LANGUAGE"
Stating that polarization in politics is fueled by a fan-like mentality, Şentop said that political followers sometimes show a reflex similar to football fans. Pointing to the importance of courtesy and common sense in politics, Şentop assessed, "There will certainly be criticisms, but these should not be made with insults, but with a decent language."