CHP rally in Burdur... Özgür Özel warns the government on Iran!

As part of the rallies launched by the Republican People's Party (CHP) under the banner of "Defending the National Will," a large crowd gathered in the Burdur square. Citizens who began assembling in the area from the morning hours listened to the speeches of CHP Chairman Özgür Özel and party officials.

A letter from Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, read by CHP Burdur Provincial Chairman Barış Ayten, was one of the most notable moments of the rally. In his letter, İmamoğlu, who is currently detained, addressed the people of Burdur, reiterating the phrase "Everything will be very beautiful" and emphasizing his commitment to the fundamental principles of the Republic.

In his letter, İmamoğlu stated that the Republic is not merely a choice of regime but a matter of national existence, and that the nation's sovereignty is being obstructed through the judiciary. He noted that the detention of elected mayors, including his own case, constitutes a usurpation of the national will. He further underscored that instead of fighting political rivals, they aspire to produce solutions and remedies.

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel began his speech by criticizing the action taken against Bolu Mayor Tanju Özcan, who was detained in the morning. Özel argued that such practices are intended to discredit mayors. He emphasized that the accusations against Özcan relate to donations made to a foundation operating for students in need in Bolu.

Özel criticized the current administration in his speech, saying, "Our mayors do not take anyone's rights; whatever they have done, they have done for the citizens. We are only proud of this situation; there is nothing to be ashamed of."

CALL TO THE GOVERNMENT ON REGIONAL POLICY

Touching upon the escalating attacks in the Middle East, Özgür Özel drew attention to the policy Turkey should follow regarding Iran. He stated, "Turkey must absolutely and strictly follow a highly careful and meticulous diplomacy that protects civilians, respects Iran's territorial integrity, and avoids initiating an unstable process in Iran. It is not up to Trump or the bloodthirsty Netanyahu to save Iran or the women in Iran. The people of Iran will decide Iran's fate."

Emphasizing democracy, Özel also referred to the anniversary of February 28, stating that they are against all forms of coup attempts and that the CHP is the guarantor of freedom of belief and thought. Underscoring that his party has always been in favor of freedoms, he said, "The CHP is the guarantor of all freedoms."

The CHP leader also criticized the palace administration for using the grievances of February 28 in politics. Özgür Özel argued that the social and economic hardships faced by women, in particular, have persisted during the AK Party government, and emphasized the need to move away from polarizing language.

‘OFFICIAL VEHICLE’ LAWSUIT AGAINST İMAMOĞLU ON THE AGENDA

One of the most striking topics at the rally was the new “official vehicle” lawsuit filed against Ekrem İmamoğlu. Özgür Özel announced that a lawsuit had been filed against İmamoğlu because he had provided a vehicle belonging to his own company to the municipality free of charge during his time as Mayor of Beylikdüzü. Özel reacted by saying, “You will hear this from me first: they have filed a new lawsuit against Mayor Ekrem. What is the case? The official vehicle case. The crime? Renting a vehicle from his own company to the municipality...” and emphasized that there was no practice outside of legal procedures.

Stating that the lawsuit claim is baseless, Özel reminded the audience that in previous periods, the municipality had rented vehicles from an AK Party-affiliated company at a very high price, whereas İmamoğlu had canceled this and provided the vehicle from his own company for free.

Finally, expressing that the government is losing its strength in providing social hope and unity, Özgür Özel pointed out that a new process of change and renewal is on the horizon in Turkey.