While the CHP delegation held various meetings in Brussels, the award received by Ekrem İmamoğlu stood out at the Socialist Group meeting. CHP Deputy Chairman Namık Tan delivered an acceptance speech at the ceremony held on behalf of the imprisoned İmamoğlu. Tan noted that the award underscores the importance of democratic values in Europe, stating that such a decision holds significance for both the party's order and Turkish democracy.
The delegation held a series of meetings in Brussels between March 3-4, ahead of the European Commission's agenda titled "Made in Europe." The delegation, led by CHP Secretary General Selin Sayek Böke, also included Namık Tan, Foreign Relations Coordinator Şule Erten Bucak, and EU Representative Onur Eryüce. During meetings with European political parties and representatives, the critical role of local governments in building democracy and social justice was discussed in various sessions.
The award, presented at a ceremony hosted by the Socialist Party, bears the name of the Polish mayor Pawel Adamowicz, who lost his life in 2019. Adamowicz's legacy in the fields of democracy, human rights, and solidarity is presented through this award to leaders considered exemplary in local governance.
"INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT FOR THE DEMOCRATIC STRUGGLE"
In his speech, Namık Tan commemorated the late Adamowicz's vision and stated that awarding this year's prize to Ekrem İmamoğlu is not just a personal honor, but a sign of support for local governments as carriers of democracy and for the demands for justice and pluralism for all. Tan noted that İmamoğlu views the award as a shared success for the teams he works with at the municipality and for the millions in Turkey who believe in democracy.
Stating that "it continues to inspire leaders who defend human rights," Tan expressed that İmamoğlu accepted this award with great humility and a sense of responsibility. He emphasized that local administrations are the most effective mechanism for bringing equality, solidarity, and freedom directly to the people. He pointed out that this award has become a symbol of the struggle against discrimination, polarization, and intolerance.
Christophe Rouillon, Mayor of Coulaines, France, and a member of the European Committee of the Regions, expressed his solidarity with imprisoned mayors and all local government representatives who are unjustly in prison during his statement at the ceremony. Rouillon stated that the award is a symbolic and valuable step in the joint struggle against lawlessness, adding that there is a need to act together against unlawful practices in Turkey and Europe.
News Source: 12punto
