Özgür Özel sends a message: 'I challenge the Aktoros Gang and the Nullity Alliance'

The change process that began in the Republican People's Party (CHP) following the 38th Ordinary Congress and the political developments experienced after the March 31 local elections have returned to the agenda with statements from CHP Chairman Özgür Özel.

Speaking to Gazete Pencere, Özel made striking assessments regarding both the debates within the party and the operations targeting CHP-run municipalities.

"I DID NOT FORESEE THAT POLITICS WOULD REACH THIS STATE"

Evaluating the period after taking office, Özel argued that an "emotional detachment" occurred in society following the 2023 elections. Stating that the CHP's vote share had fallen to the 13 percent level, Özel said that he and Ekrem İmamoğlu met on a common line during the change process.

Expressing that self-criticism lies at the foundation of the local election success, Özel made the following assessment:

"I did not foresee that politics would reach this state. After the DEM Party's election successes, there were trustee appointments and arrests targeting mayors and co-chairmen. I know how Erdoğan attacks when he cannot win, but I did not think they would dare to go this far."

"THE CHP'S BACK WILL NOT BE BROKEN UNTIL ÖZGÜR ÖZEL'S BACK IS BROKEN"

Claiming that he was also directly targeted following the operations against the CHP, Özel stated that the pressure on the party was being carried out through him.

"If you are the chairman of this party, you cannot remain silent in the face of so much injustice and slander," said Özel, adding, "The CHP's back will not be broken unless Özgür Özel's back is broken."

REITERATED ALLEGATIONS REGARDING THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE

In the interview, Özel also touched upon the allegations he previously raised regarding Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek, arguing that various claims were put forward during the process conducted through Antalya Metropolitan Mayor Muhittin Böcek.

While claiming that pressure was exerted on certain individuals and that different sums of money were brought to the agenda, Özel said, "They look at it as if my back is broken, then my party's back will be broken."

"ÖZKAN YALIM WAS A CHP MEMBER UNTIL HE OPENED THAT DOOR"

Özel also spoke about Özkan Yalım in his statements. The CHP leader alleged that Yalım made statements in favor of the AK Party following a meeting he claimed took place in a hotel room.

Arguing that the allegations were later debunked, Özel stated that certain accusations made through the children of delegates did not reflect the truth.

"I CHALLENGE THE WHITE TAURUS GANG AND THE NULLITY ALLIANCE"

Speaking upon being reminded of former CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's recent statements, Özel said that he maintains his respect for Kılıçdaroğlu.

However, suggesting that there is a faction within the CHP acting with the expectation of "absolute nullity," Özel stated the following:

"I am not challenging the People's Alliance there, but the Aktoros Gang and the Nullity Alliance. I am speaking against the alliance of the March 19 coup plotters and those who cannot digest the results of the party convention."

While noting that he did not mention Kılıçdaroğlu's name in his group speech, Özel expressed that he has a responsibility to protect the party's legal rights.

"I SPOKE TO THOSE HOPING FOR HELP FROM THE PALACE"

Evaluating Kılıçdaroğlu's statements, Özel said that his remarks at the group meeting were not directed specifically at the former chairman.

Stating, "I spoke to those hoping for help from the Palace," Özel indicated that he opposes those within the CHP who are expecting a change in leadership through court rulings.

Regarding Kılıçdaroğlu's words, "Those expecting a statement from me should not wait," he used the expression, "I hope he meant that they should not expect me to make a statement against the current CHP administration."

"WE WILL NOT ABANDON EKREM İMAMOĞLU"

Özel emphasized that they would not give up on Ekrem İmamoğlu's candidacy.

Using the phrase "a cowardly politician who throws his opponent in jail" for the process targeting İmamoğlu, Özel argued that President Erdoğan is afraid of İmamoğlu.

Özel made the following assessment:

"Abandoning Ekrem İmamoğlu and determining a new candidate would lighten Erdoğan's burden. Such a thing will not happen. They are doing everything at once, from diploma cancellation to espionage accusations."

"WE WOULD ALSO WIN A SNAP ELECTION"

Speaking about the potential early election debates, Özel claimed that it is Erdoğan who is running away from the election.

Stating, "If an election were held today, we would win again," the CHP leader noted that they have presented various proposals to the government, including by-elections, early elections, and the renewal of local elections.

Claiming that CHP mayors are being pressured and threatened to switch to the AK Party, Özel brought up the examples of Aydın and Afyon.

"WE WILL FIELD A CANDIDATE WITH ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND SIGNATURES"

Responding to a question about the "absolute nullity" discussions, Özel said they would not abandon the CHP.

Stating that different formulas could be put into effect if the party's processes are obstructed, Özel said, "A presidential candidate can be fielded with one hundred thousand signatures."

Özel used the expressions, "They cannot take Turkey away from us. We will win this election one way or another."

"I DO NOT SEE MANSUR YAVAŞ AS A SUBSTITUTE"

Making evaluations regarding Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş, Özel opposed Yavaş being portrayed as a "substitute candidate."

Stating that Yavaş is focused on his duties in Ankara, Özel said that a new candidacy debate would be harmful for both Yavaş and İmamoğlu.

Özel also responded to a question regarding the potential NATO Summit and the US President's visit to Turkey.

Stating that the CHP does not intend to organize a protest as an institution, Özel noted that young people might organize individual protests.

The CHP leader said, "The Republican People's Party organizing an institutional protest is inconsistent with the office it aspires to and its own stature."