Call from Tanju Özcan to CHP leadership: Emphasis on 'Sine-i Millet'

Bolu Mayor Tanju Özcan reacted with harsh language on his social media account to the detention of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu in the early hours of the morning. Drawing attention to the fact that many people, including İmamoğlu, were detained on allegations of "terrorism" and "organized crime," Özcan criticized the current government with strong words.

"THE CUP HAS OVERFLOWED, THE NATION IS BEING MOCKED"

In a post on his personal X (formerly Twitter) account, Özcan stated the following:

"The cup has overflowed. The Mayor of 16 million Istanbulites and the presidential candidate of 86 million citizens, Mr. Ekrem İmamoğlu, was detained at the crack of dawn on a fabricated pretext like a so-called PKK/KCK investigation. Do not treat the nation like fools! With your pathetic logic, are you going to release the PKK/PYD leader Apo from prison and put İmamoğlu in his place?"

"MY CALL TO EVERYONE, INCLUDING PARTY LEADERS"

The Bolu Mayor issued a call not only to the CHP but to all opposition parties. In his statement, Özcan included these words:

"I am addressing the leaders of all parties, including our own Chairman; this tyrannical government ignores the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), which was elected by the votes of the people. Not only does it prevent elected mayors from working, but it also removes them from office for flimsy reasons. They are preparing to release the terrorist leader who founded the PKK/YPG and replace him with officials elected by the legitimate votes of the people, putting them in prison."

Describing the events as an undemocratic situation, Özcan used the following expressions:

"In this climate of a coup, it does not seem possible for either members of parliament or mayors to serve the public in a healthy manner. Normalizing what is being done means saying, 'let the snake that doesn't bite me live for a thousand years.' Words are finished."

"The collective return of all opposition members of parliament and mayors to the 'sine-i millet' must be the primary agenda. It must be implemented without hesitation and without exception. Let this tyrannical structure be forced to explain this to the Noble Turkish Nation and the world public."

WHAT IS 'SINE-İ MİLLET'?

'Sine-i millet' is a term frequently encountered in Turkey's recent political history. 'Sine-i millet' means leaving the parliamentary floor, joining the people, initiating a popular movement, and rebelling against the political power or the ruling authorities.

The concept is interpreted in the political arena as a tool for the opposition to wear down the government.

Turkey has experienced debates over 'sine-i millet' before every election period. However, to date, 'sine-i millet' has remained only a political trump card, and no party has ever implemented it.