Critical Erdoğan-Özel meeting begins! A first in 8 years...

During the April 23 reception held for the 104th anniversary of the opening of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), AKP Chairman and President Erdoğan had invited CHP leader Özgür Özel for a tea chat. The two had decided to hold a meeting following that date.

The AKP Headquarters was chosen as the venue for the meeting between Erdoğan and Özel. The meeting marks a first in 8 years.

CHP leader Özgür Özel departed from the CHP Headquarters to meet with Erdoğan and arrived at the AK Party Headquarters. CHP MP Namık Tan accompanied Özgür Özel.

Özel was welcomed at the Headquarters by AKP Deputy Chairman Mustafa Elitaş, who escorted him to the office on the 8th floor. The first photos of the meeting between the two were released to the press.

WHAT TOPICS ARE ON THE TABLE

The main agenda item for the Erdoğan-Özel meeting will be the new constitution. Indeed, in his statement to journalists upon his return from Iraq, Erdoğan had expressed, "I believe that the CHP could also support the change."

The CHP leader, on the other hand, will discuss the revenue sources of local governments struggling due to their debts with Erdoğan. Additionally, municipal projects awaiting approval from the central government, the cost of living, pension payments, and teachers awaiting appointments will be other agenda items on the table.

EMPTY CHAIR DRAWS ATTENTION

A detail reflected in the photos released to the press regarding the Erdoğan-Özel meeting did not go unnoticed. It was noted that besides the chairs for Erdoğan and Özel, there was another empty chair in the room.