What will CHP do if IYI Party says 'no' to cooperation? Özgür Özel explains his party's roadmap...

There is less than 4 months left until the March 31, 2024 local elections. While alliance discussions continue on the opposition front, CHP Chairman Özgür Özel visited IYI Party leader Meral Akşener.

Özel explained the details of the meeting held at the IYI Party Headquarters. Speaking to Tv100, Özel also explained his party's roadmap in the event that the IYI Party says 'no' to cooperation.

Özgür Özel's statements are as follows;

"I PROPOSED COOPERATION IN THE LOCAL ELECTION"

We announced the content of the meeting in front of the public. We asked them not to consider this visit and the proposal we would put forward as a discourtesy, that we are aware of the IYI Party's decision, and that if this decision is a very strict and clear decision and something closed to negotiation, we would respect it, but we asked for this decision to be reviewed if possible. I proposed cooperation in the local election. I asked if there was an opportunity for this.

"SHE ASKED HER COLLEAGUES WHETHER SHE COULD TAKE THE GIK DECISION TO THE GIK"

Ms. Meral said that the General Administrative Board (GİK) decision was a clear decision, but she asked the colleagues in the delegation whether they would take such a request to the General Administrative Board. When a positive opinion came from the names in the delegation, she said she would take it to the general administrative board. She said it would be on Monday, that she would put it on the agenda there, and that they would inform us of the result. Then we evaluated together that it would be right to make a joint press statement in front of the press.

"WE MET PRIVATELY FOR 10-15 MINUTES AFTER THE DELEGATIONS"

After the delegations, we met privately for 10-15 minutes. It was a process where the press was preparing and the executives were going down, but that private meeting was not a critical political meeting; it was about asking how we were, expressing good intentions, and how the communication between the two leaders would be in the coming process. There was a consensus that there should be direct communication between the two leaders, the two chairmen, and then we all went down to make the statement together.

WHAT IS ÖZGÜR ÖZEL'S PERSPECTIVE ON COOPERATION?

If I say something before the IYI Party's General Administrative Board decision, it narrows the area of politics that should be left flexible. First of all, sitting at the table is essential. To shake hands, you have to open your fist. Now we are at the stage of opening those fists. It would not be right for me to suggest a model without sitting at the table. I have two basic approaches; first, it must be based on measurement and evaluation. Everyone must respect each other's rights, and the model to be put forward must be satisfactory to both sides. Of course, successes can be achieved when entering separately, but when together, a success above the total is achieved. This also has a mathematical equivalent. This means more municipal council members. In this respect, I have an expectation of cooperation that benefits both sides. A model can be developed by discussing on a common ground. The important thing is that the result is a good result for both parties.

WHAT WILL CHP DO IF IYI PARTY SAYS 'NO' TO COOPERATION?

If a negative decision comes out of that meeting, both parties will enter the election separately throughout Turkey. If it is positive, our authorized colleagues will sit down and talk about how much cooperation will be done.

"WE HAVE NO CONCERNS ABOUT ISTANBUL AND ANKARA"

We have no concerns about Istanbul and Ankara, but it is always better to win better and not risk the municipal council majority. 3 of the 11 Metropolitan Municipalities had been announced. Measurements are being made regarding 8 of them. The results will come next week. We are having very meticulous measurements made in 8 metropolitan cities. If there is no alliance, all our candidates will be determined by the end of December. If there is cooperation, maybe we might need some time in places where there is cooperation?

WILL THERE BE A MEETING WITH HEDEP?

When the co-chairmen of HEDEP called to congratulate me, they said they wanted to visit when they were in Ankara one day. I said I would accept with pleasure. We will give an appointment if they request it in the coming days. We will definitely evaluate the agenda during their visit as well. We are open to all kinds of visits and to talk about everything. I want to complete the upcoming local elections by getting the best result.