What did Özgür Özel say at the closed-door group meeting? 'If there is an expulsion scenario, we are ready'

Following the extraordinary developments in the CHP brought about by a court decision, Chairman Özgür Özel held a widely attended, closed-door meeting with party deputies. During the meeting, where 96 out of 138 CHP deputies were present, a re-vote was held for the group chairmanship, and Özel assumed this duty once again with 95 votes. It was learned that the 15 deputies who did not attend the meeting sent messages of support to Özel by providing excuses.

RESPONSE TO THE COURT DECISION: EMPHASIS ON "KEMAL BEY"

Özgür Özel clearly stated his stance regarding his relationship with Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who was returned to party management by a court decision, during the meeting. It was reported that Özel said, "I will continue to call him 'Kemal Bey' until this matter is resolved. I will not use the title 'Chairman.' However, I do not accept disrespect towards him either." Furthermore, stating that he would only be open to holding discussions with Kılıçdaroğlu regarding the extraordinary convention process, Özel said, "The purpose of the meetings will be to ensure that the party reaches the convention within the determined framework." It was evaluated that if the parties cannot come together, communication could also be established through delegations.

"IF THERE IS AN EXPULSION SCENARIO, WE ARE READY"

Another topic discussed within the party was the possibility of Kılıçdaroğlu going to a convention through expulsions. Speaking about this possibility, it was learned that Özel said, "If he makes changes to the provincial chairs, we will recognize those who are elected. They can expel me and my friends from the party. We are prepared for all possible developments; we will never give up the struggle." Stating that he would be determined if the process escalates, Özel said, "No matter where this goes."

According to the report by Cumhuriyet, emphasizing that preparations for the convention will gain momentum after the holiday, Özgür Özel stated that signatures would be collected for an extraordinary convention if necessary. Emphasizing that they are not warm to the idea of founding a new party as long as the party is not shut down, Özel said, "As long as the party is not shut down, no other structure is open for discussion. We do not recognize this decision."

Regarding the possibility of being removed from the headquarters, he said, "If they kick us out of the headquarters, I will move to my office in Parliament. In that case, the address of the struggle will be Parliament. If the party is shut down, we will establish a backup party; our party will still be the CHP, and our struggle will continue there."

"IT WILL BE DISCUSSED WHEN THE TIME COMES"

At the end of the meeting, the issues of deputy lists that might emerge in the event of an election under Kılıçdaroğlu's chairmanship and the nomination of candidates from a different party were brought up. Postponing these discussions, it was reported that Özel said, "These are not topics for today; they will be discussed when the time comes."

The developments within the CHP indicate that the tension within the party may rise in the coming weeks. After the holiday, all eyes are turned to the developments in the convention calendar.