Retired educator Kamber Özcivan, who carried out an individual protest in front of the channel following the appointment of a trustee to Halk TV, stated that the opposition has become disconnected from the public and called on political actors to fulfill their responsibilities.
Özcivan said, “Opposition is not conducted behind closed doors. Opposition is conducted by being intertwined with the public, side by side, and by listening to them.”
Retired educator Kamber Özcivan drew attention with his action, which he carried out individually in front of the channel building following the appointment of a trustee to Halk TV.
Speaking to 12punto after the protest, we asked Özcivan where the opposition is making mistakes and in which areas it is falling short.
Drawing attention to the country's economic, social, and societal problems, Özcivan stated that he went to Silivri during the trial processes and tried to convey his thoughts on what was happening to CHP Chairman Özgür Özel as well.
Criticizing the relationship between the government and the opposition, Özcivan used the expressions, “The government is playing with the opposition as if it were playing with a mouse. As a citizen and an educator, this situation bothers me.”
“THE OPPOSITION IS DISCONNECTED FROM THE PUBLIC”
Arguing that the opposition's fundamental deficiency lies in the relationship it has established with the public, Özcivan expressed that political struggle cannot be conducted behind closed doors. Emphasizing that the opposition must establish direct contact with citizens, listen to their problems, and develop a political understanding that inspires confidence, Özcivan stated that the public's sensitivity toward problems can also be strengthened through this environment of trust.
“MOMENTUM WAS GAINED DURING THE SARAÇHANE PROCESS”
Touching upon the Saraçhane process during our interview, Özcivan stated that momentum was gained on behalf of the opposition during that period. Stating that he went to Saraçhane 13 times within a week, Özcivan said he saw these visits as a requirement of civic responsibility.
Drawing attention to the importance of individual and social responsibilities, Özcivan defined the opposition's duty as auditing the government, trying to prevent the government's mistakes, and mobilizing the opposition dynamics in the country. Özcivan reacted to political actors with the words, “If they are not doing these things, they should leave their posts.”
EMPHASIS ON INDIVIDUAL PROTEST AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
According to Özcivan, for social opposition to gain continuity, citizens need to participate in a protest process that also includes individual and passive forms of action. Making this approach visible with the red armband he wore on his arm during the actions he participated in, Özcivan argued that society is also not acting sensitively enough and is not fulfilling the responsibility that falls upon it.
“THE LEADER IS AS IMPORTANT AS ORGANIZATION”
Emphasizing the importance of organization in democratic societies, Özcivan stated that leadership also plays a decisive role in political struggle. Explaining this view with a historical example, Özcivan said, “If there were no name like Atatürk, the War of Independence could not have been fought.”
At the end of the interview, Özcivan, who made a renewed call to opposition political structures, stated that he thinks the opposition also has a share in the government reaching its current position. Emphasizing that political actors must fulfill their responsibilities, Özcivan concluded his words with the following expressions: “If they are not doing their jobs, then they should step down from those positions.”
NEWS: AYDIN TONGA
Following the appointment of a trustee to Halk TV by the government, citizens gathered in front of the TV building. A citizen who stated that he came from Üsküdar emphasized that the opposition remains passive and inadequate in the face of pressure, saying, "We are at the point where words end; I came to protest the opposition, not the government."
— 12punto (@12puntocomtr) October 14, 2026
News Source: Aydın Tonga
