Özgür Özel greeted as 'Welcome, Mr. President' in Soma. CHP Chairman responds
CHP Chairman Özgür Özel paid a series of visits to Soma on the 10th anniversary of the Soma mining disaster, which claimed the lives of 301 people. One of the moments that marked the visit was the remark made by a citizen who greeted Özel.
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Following in the footsteps of İmamoğlu and Yavaş, CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, whose name has frequently been mentioned among potential presidential candidates for the CHP, was greeted in Soma today with the words, "Welcome, Mr. President." Özel responded to this greeting promptly.
Following the success achieved by the CHP in the local elections, Özgür Özel's name has begun to stand out as much as those of Ekrem İmamoğlu and Mansur Yavaş.
So much so that Özel has begun to be cited by some, both within the party and in the public eye, as a potential candidate in the upcoming presidential elections. Özel had previously made headlines with his response when putting an end to these discussions.
'STRIKER' ANALOGY
Comparing Mansur Yavaş and Ekrem İmamoğlu to strikers on a football team, the following words from Özel had resonated:
"There are currently two strikers on the team. One is Mansur Yavaş, the other is Ekrem İmamoğlu. But many new figures are also shining.
It is important to build the best team from these names.
When a penalty is won in the final minute of a match, the coach does not say, 'Let me take it.' They have their most in-form player take it."
"MR. PRESIDENT" GREETING FOR ÖZEL
While Özel's name continues to be mentioned among potential presidential candidates, an interesting incident occurred in Soma today. A citizen grabbed Özgür Özel by the arm and said, "Welcome, Mr. President." A quick response came from Özel.
Turning to the citizen, Özel replied, "I am the Chairman of the Republican People's Party."