'If an election were held today, we would be in power'

Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman Özgür Özel answered questions from Uğur Dündar on Sözcü TV.

Özel made the following remarks regarding Biden's withdrawal from the US presidential race:

“Last week, an attack took place against Mr. Trump. A bullet grazed his ear, and he escaped death by mere seconds. At that time, we also shared a post on social media and condemned the attack. During that process, Biden's statements were also important.

It is Biden's own decision, and ultimately, it is the choice of the US. He was having difficulty conducting the campaign. It seems a more challenging opponent will emerge against Trump.

His health condition and his perception of issues were frequently brought to the agenda by young people on social media. It will be better for his party to continue with a more assertive candidate."

NORMALIZATION PROCESS

Regarding the 'normalization' process, Özel stated, "The chairman of the main opposition party in the last elections does not exchange holiday greetings with the country's President, does not shake hands even at Anıtkabir, and does not even make eye contact at a mosque. I personally do not find this picture right. This picture does not suit a party that aspires to govern the country, has become the leading party in the last elections, and comes out as the leading party in all polls if an election were held today. That is why I took the first step. For 22 years, Mr. Tayyip's party was the leading party. At the end of the 22nd year, we became the leading party. If an election were held today, we would be in power. That is why I made the first phone call and I made the first visit. Then they came to us. I call this 'normalization.' We are not enemies. We are the first and second parties of this country."

WHAT DID HE DISCUSS WITH ERDOĞAN?

When asked what he discussed with AKP President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during his Cyprus visit, Özel said:

"We can criticize individuals, but we should not damage institutions. First, he asked how I was. Later, I asked how he was.

Let us have every argument within Turkey, but we must be united on the Cyprus issue and the Azerbaijan issue.”

'FEYZİOĞLU' CRISIS

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel said the following regarding Turkey's Nicosia Ambassador Metin Feyzioğlu, who did not come to welcome him in the TRNC:

“You represent the Republic of Turkey. If you are not coming yourself, send someone. This ugly planning is the responsibility of the ambassador. The gentleman made a statement today. He said, ‘We only welcomed the ministers, we did not welcome the parties.’ If you didn't see us, you should have called and found us.”