A jab from Özel! 'It's time for Erdoğan and Bahçeli to drink the steeped tea'

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, answered questions from a group of journalists at the Parliament. 

When asked about the decision regarding Hatay, Özel said, "Polls show that there is a need for a 'Hatay alliance' in the city. There is a 3-4 point difference. Sometimes it shows us ahead, sometimes behind. Because there is a very emotional situation. In the race between the AKP and the CHP in Hatay, if the TİP, the DEM Party, and other left-wing parties choose a side, we win the election." he said. 

Explaining the process regarding Lütfü Savaş, Özel stated the following: 

"I BELIEVE HATAY WILL HELP US WIN WHEN THEY GO TO THE POLLS"

"I held meetings with many political parties, and the chairman did as well. A formula was needed that would not leave Lütfü Savaş out. We would only get 25 percent with our own votes. We sat down with Lütfü Savaş once more the night before last. We decided to continue. There is no other alternative there as the strongest option against the AKP. In the coming days, we have also made the contacts that will achieve a city consensus in Hatay. We will see the fruits of this in a few steps and over the course of the process."

As far as I can see, if nothing else happens, we are neck and neck in the election. But I believe that Hatay will win us the election when it goes to the ballot box."

"THERE WILL BE NO SURPRISE AFTER APRIL 1ST"

Addressing assessments that Savaş has been worn down during the process, Özel said, "If Savaş wins the hearts of the voters who are reacting, the polls show he is winning. We held a 40-person meeting in the MYK room, and not one person voiced an option other than Lütfü Savaş. They said, 'This election can be won.' We said, 'Then win it.' There will be no surprise after April 1st" he said.

According to the report in Cumhuriyet; Stating that Savaş did not become a candidate as a result of a consensus with the TİP, Özel noted that there could be a consensus for Hatay in the future.

"DEM" JAB AT ERDOĞAN AND BAHÇELİ

Stating that there is no protocol signed with the DEM Party, Özel responded to claims that they had "reached an agreement with DEM." Özel said, "Until yesterday, they were saying we reached an agreement in Mersin and Adana. Where did we reach an agreement? They fielded their own candidates. Now it is time for Erdoğan and Bahçeli to drink the strong tea" he said.

Özel continued his remarks as follows: 

"In the previous election, they were doing everything to make the AK Party lose. In this election, there is a demand to show their strength not to the AKP, but somewhat to the opposition. In a manner not denied by their spokespeople, various meetings are being held with the AKP regarding the post-April 1 period, primarily concerning the issue of appointed trustees. There is a strategy based on making us lose if necessary, rather than helping us win." 

"WE WILL CONTINUE TO TRY NOT TO OPPOSE THE OPPOSITION"

Stating that efforts for cooperation with the İYİ Party and other alliance partners did not find a response, Özel said, "There is no change in voter reflexes. The voters' objection to the Palace and Bahçeli continues. I took the white flower and went, but I could not convince the former partners to form an alliance. We will continue to try not to oppose the opposition." he stated.