Özgür Özel's decision on the April 23 reception: Reaction to the İmamoğlu arrest
It has been stated that CHP Chairman Özgür Özel will speak at the special April 23 session in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), but has decided not to attend the reception to be held in the evening.
A series of events will be held at the Parliament as part of the April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day, marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.
Political party leaders will take the podium at the special session, which will begin at 14:00 in the TBMM General Assembly. CHP Chairman Özgür Özel will also deliver a speech at the Parliament but will not attend the traditional reception to be held in the evening.
According to Gazete Pencere, Özgür Özel's decision not to attend the reception is interpreted as a reaction to the judicial process against Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. According to information reflected from CHP corridors, Özel aims to send the message with this decision that "there will be no silence against interventions directed at democratic politics and the elected will."
Following the arrest and removal from office of Ekrem İmamoğlu, the CHP administration's stance is being evaluated as a reaction against judicial decisions.
NO RECEPTION IN ERDOĞAN'S PROGRAM EITHER
It has been learned that the evening reception was not included in the April 23 program of President and AKP Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. According to the draft program, Erdoğan is expected to travel to Istanbul after attending a children's concert to be held at the Presidential Symphony Orchestra.
GROUP MEETINGS WILL NOT BE HELD THIS WEEK
It has been reported that political party group meetings have been canceled this week due to the Parliament's anniversary events. No new events have been planned yet, other than the special session of the TBMM General Assembly and the commemoration and celebration programs that will continue throughout the day.
RALLY IN FRONT OF THE HISTORIC PARLIAMENT
CHP leader Özgür Özel will host another notable event in Ankara on April 23. Özel will address citizens in front of the historic 1st Grand National Assembly of Turkey building. Following the speech, a march to Anıtkabir will be held with a large group.
BIG MEETING IN MERSIN ON APRIL 26
Özgür Özel's next major rally will be held in Mersin on Saturday, April 26.