Özgür Özel responds to question on election cooperation with CHP: We have no business with illegitimate opposition
Yeni Parti Chairman Özgür Özel stated that they will not cooperate with the CHP during the presidential candidate process.
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Yeni Parti Chairman Özgür Özel answered questions regarding the agenda during a live broadcast on KOZA TV. In his assessment of the strategy to be followed in the upcoming election process, Özel said that they would go to the polls and that he believes they will win the election.
Responding to a question about the CHP's anniversary celebrations, Özel stated that not being under the CHP umbrella created a sense of sadness for him. However, stating that it is "not possible to see the current structure as the Republican People's Party (CHP)," Özel expressed that they are marching toward power as the Yeni Parti.
Institutionally, we are now in the Yeni Parti and we are marching toward power as the Yeni Parti. We are not looking back.
Özel was also asked about President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's reception of Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş and Yavaş's absence from the CHP's anniversary reception. Stating that he was aware of the meeting beforehand, Özel said that Yavaş had requested an appointment regarding certain investments and projects for the benefit of Ankara.
Emphasizing that he has no doubts about Mansur Yavaş, Özel stated that the meeting took place with their knowledge and approval. Özel remarked that Yavaş is "very sensitive and clear on these matters."
Özel gave a clear answer to the question of whether there would be cooperation with the CHP regarding a presidential candidate. Stating that such cooperation with the CHP is not possible, Özel indicated that they would consult with the "legitimate opposition" during the candidate determination process.
It is never possible for us to have any cooperation with them. We will discuss our presidential candidate with all legitimate opposition; we have no business with illegitimate opposition.
Özel also responded to a question regarding his party's membership numbers. Stating that approximately 400 thousand CHP members want to resign and join the Yeni Parti, Özel conveyed that they estimate they could exceed one million members by the end of the year.