Call from Ümit Özdağ for Güvenpark: Families of martyrs and veterans prepare for hunger strike

Victory Party (Zafer Partisi) Chairman Ümit Özdağ evaluated the economy, domestic politics, and the “Terror-Free Turkey” process during his weekly press conference held at his party's headquarters. Members of the Platform for Families of Martyrs and Veterans, who have been keeping a vigil for their rights at Ankara's Güvenpark, also attended the meeting.

At the beginning of the meeting, Özdağ commemorated journalist Vedat Yenerer, who passed away recently, and then celebrated the Turkish Women's National Volleyball Team's Nations League championship. Later, criticizing the income data announced by TÜİK, Özdağ argued that the purchasing power of citizens has dropped severely.

Reminding that TÜİK announced the per capita national income as 18 thousand 40 dollars as of the end of 2025, Özdağ stated that “the nation is facing hunger and poverty.” Özdağ stated that as of July 2026, the hunger threshold was 38 thousand 216 liras and the poverty threshold was 117 thousand 336 liras, expressing that the minimum wage remains below the hunger threshold.

Emphasizing “planned development” to exit the economic crisis, Özdağ stated that the State Planning Organization should be re-established, the rule of law should be strengthened, and productivity in production should be increased, alongside the adoption of planned industrialization and agricultural policies.

Claiming that the government is increasing pressure on the opposition and citizens, Özdağ argued that voters will show their reaction at the ballot box. The Victory Party leader warned the government regarding the election results with the phrase, “This pot will explode at the ballot box.”

GÜVENPARK MESSAGE

One of the main topics of the press conference was the “Terror-Free Turkey” process. Claiming that the process has turned into “negotiation with terror,” Özdağ said that potential regulations would not be accepted by the families of martyrs and veterans. Alleging that an amnesty regulation for the PKK is being prepared, Özdağ stated that the government should provide transparent information to the public on this matter.

Stating that the families of martyrs and veterans, who have been keeping watch at Güvenpark for 17 days, have not been visited, Özdağ explained that they invited the platform representatives to the meeting for this reason. Özdağ called on all citizens to support the families and veterans at Güvenpark.

Speaking at the meeting, Erdem Çerçioğlu, spokesperson for the Platform for Families of Martyrs and Veterans, also listed their demands. Stating that they do not accept the prepared framework draft law, Çerçioğlu said, “Unless our equal rights are treated fairly, and unless we are treated equally within the framework of justice, we do not accept anything.”

Stating that they expect a concrete step by the weekend, Çerçioğlu used the expressions, “We are not leaving the area. If a concrete step is not taken and nothing comes out of this by this weekend, we are going on a hunger strike.” Çerçioğlu invited Turkey and the people of Ankara to Güvenpark.

Özdağ also stated that wars and tensions are increasing in Turkey's immediate geography, arguing that the country's national, unitary, and secular structure must be protected. The Victory Party leader reiterated his call for support to “defend the Atatürk Republic.”

News Source: 12punto