'Mesut Özarslan's resignation will indirectly affect Mr. Mansur': CHP officials evaluate

While the resignation of Keçiören Mayor Mesut Özarslan from the party was not on the agenda at the Presidential Candidate Office Executive Board meeting held under the chairmanship of CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, CHP officials described the events as an "interference with the national will." When asked whether Özarslan's resignation was aimed at Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş, the officials responded, "The reasons seem more individual, but it will indirectly have an effect on Mr. Mansur. Özarslan's statements were also statements targeting Mr. Mansur. We will wait and see. Since law, logic, politics, and ethics do not function in the country, anything can happen."

Regarding the topics on the meeting's agenda, Justice Policy Board Chair Şule Özsoy Boyunsuz, Trade Policy Board Chair Emre Kartaloğlu, and Agriculture and Forestry Policy Board Chair Sencer Solakoğlu gave presentations. The meeting, which started at 13:30, lasted more than three hours. CHP Chairman Özel held a press conference regarding the agenda of the meeting afterward.

"WHAT MATTERS IS TO STAND TALL"

Evaluating Özarslan's resignation, CHP officials stated that there was no tension within the party regarding allegations that other CHP mayors might also resign, and said the following:

“Unfortunately, the AK Party has made this a habit. It pursues a policy that tries to take possession of what it cannot obtain through the national will, either by arresting through the judiciary, by converting through threats, or by canceling the election. Therefore, it may continue with this understanding. But what is important here is to stand tall and to protect the will of the nation. One must not bow to these threats.”

Responding to the question, "Since Özarslan is a name close to Ankara Metropolitan Municipality (ABB) Mayor Mansur Yavaş, does the resignation have a side that targets Mr. Mansur?" the officials assessed, "The reasons seem more individual, but it will indirectly have an effect on Mr. Mansur. Özarslan's statements were also statements targeting Mr. Mansur. We will wait and see. Since law, logic, politics, and ethics do not function in the country, anything can happen."

"THE PUBLIC HAS SHOWN IT DOES NOT APPROVE"

Evaluating the public response to the resignation and the subsequent events, the officials said, "The public is a society that protects its will. We see this in every sense. In any event that would stage a coup against its own will—whether it be the judiciary, military tutelage, or an attempt to undermine the will—it has always shown that reaction and reflex to this day."

Upon being reminded that Özarslan's resignation had been alleged since August, the officials stated, "He denied it every time. These allegations also came up regarding Afyon and Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality. When this matter evolved into a perception operation, we did not give it any credence. We were surprised when he said, 'It's slander, there is no such thing.'"

News Source: 12punto