CHP leader Özgür Özel reacts to government's TÜSİAD investigation: Where is he wrong?

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel spoke about the investigation launched into Mehmet Ömer Arif Aras, the head of the TÜSİAD High Advisory Council (YİK). Emphasizing that unlawful practices in Turkey are shaking investor confidence, Özel voiced the difficulties faced by the business world.

CHP leader Özel's statements are as follows:

- It is not just TÜSİAD making these criticisms; everyone is. And which of the things the TÜSİAD President said are happening, are not actually happening in Turkey?

- Are such investigations launched in other countries?

- Because of your lawless practices, these people cannot bring in credit from abroad.

RESPONSE TO ERDOĞAN ON EARLY ELECTIONS

Responding to Erdoğan's stance on early elections, Özel noted the following:

- Erdoğan, who does not go out on the streets, should ask this to retirees and minimum wage earners. The demand for early elections in polls is increasing every day.

GREEN LIGHT FOR ALLIANCE

- We made a mistake in the last election by determining our candidate late.

- If there is a need for an alliance, it will certainly be evaluated.

- The process here is for the CHP to determine its own candidate.

CHIEF PUBLIC PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE LAUNCHED AN INVESTIGATION

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into Mehmet Ömer Arif Aras, the head of the High Advisory Council of TÜSİAD (Turkish Industry and Business Association), on charges of "attempting to influence a fair trial" and "publicly disseminating false information" due to his remarks regarding certain investigations and prosecutions during his speech at the association's general assembly yesterday.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The speeches made at the General Assembly Meeting of the Turkish Industry and Business Association (TÜSİAD) held yesterday (February 13) became a major topic of discussion.

TÜSİAD President Orhan Turan reacted to the economic management, stating that the fight against inflation must be accelerated. Emphasizing the rule of law, Turan said, "If there is no trust in the law, distrust, uncertainty, and instability will spread everywhere. A systemic risk is created. Even if it is possible to save the day, tomorrow is put in danger."

In TÜSİAD's presentation titled "Extraordinary events in political life," TÜSİAD High Advisory Council President Ömer Aras also made striking statements. In his speech, Aras touched upon the arrest of Zafer Party Chairman Ümit Özdağ, the investigation launched into Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, the arrest of talent manager Ayşe Barım—who was investigated over 'monopolization' allegations—in connection with the Gezi Park protests, the arrest of HALK TV Editor-in-Chief Suat Toktaş, and the young lieutenants dismissed from the army.

These remarks by TÜSİAD executives drew a reaction from the government front. Pro-government media outlets targeted TÜSİAD in their newspaper headlines today.