The Palace reacts to CHP's boycott call: 'We are all in the same boat'

Following the detention of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, the CHP increased the intensity of its protests, and Chairman Özgür Özel called for a boycott of various brands during a rally held in Saraçhane. The boycott list announced by Özel spread rapidly on social media and caused a wide stir.

At the top of the boycott call was the coffee chain Espressolab, which has many branches in Turkey. The CHP leader addressed his supporters, saying, "Let those whose audience is 70 percent from us think about it. Let's start by having a coffee. Drink whichever you like, but do not drink from EspressoLab."

Book Boycott on D&R and İdefix

Özel also called for a boycott of D&R and İdefix, which are affiliated with the Turkuvaz Media Group. The CHP leader urged his supporters to stay away from these brands, stating, "For heaven's sake, do not go to D&R to buy books. If we bury those who do not see us, they will be forced to see us."

Reaction Grows on Social Media

The boycott list announced by Özgür Özel became a trending topic on social media in a short time. Thousands of users made posts stating that they had canceled their memberships to the brands covered by the boycott. Additionally, it was reported that some companies experienced access issues on their websites.

The fact that the CHP brought early election calls to the agenda along with the protests was harshly criticized by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz. Regarding the early election debates, Yılmaz stated, "Why should we hold an early election right now? Why should there be an election in the country just because the CHP wants it?"

Harsh Response to Boycott Call

Reacting to the CHP's boycott move, Yılmaz stated that such calls would increase polarization within the country. He opposed the boycott decision by saying, "This means forgetting that we are in the same boat. Our responsible citizens who vote for the CHP are also uncomfortable with this picture."

"WHY SHOULD THERE BE AN EARLY ELECTION JUST BECAUSE THE CHP WANTS IT?"

Criticizing the "early election" demand of millions who are on the streets for justice and democracy, led by the CHP, Yılmaz said, "Our President was elected in an election where 6 parties were against him, in a free and fair election where everyone competed democratically. Why should we hold an early election right now? Why should there be an election in the country just because the CHP wants it?"

IMAMOĞLU'S DETENTION

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz made statements regarding the agenda and answered questions during a live broadcast on HaberTürk TV:

"There are two dimensions to this detention. One is corruption and the other is terrorism. There are two important headings in the file. It is a legal process. I do not find it correct to make comments in favor or against without looking at the content of the file. It is the independent judiciary that will reveal the content and legal validity of the files. It is a process we call the judiciary. We need to follow this process together. I find it extremely wrong to characterize this politically. The main opposition party is experiencing problems within itself. I see this as an effort to, in a sense, impose the conflicts and fights it is experiencing within itself on society through this judicial process. I do not find it valid in any way. There is a detention decision due to corruption. There is also a terrorism dimension. If it were a detention for terrorism, the results would have been different."

'IT IS EXTREMELY WRONG TO CHARACTERIZE IT POLITICALLY'

"As a temporary measure, the municipal council will elect a temporary mayor from among itself. Such a measure is in question. This is a defined legal process. It is extremely wrong to characterize this politically. CHP members make up the majority of the municipal council. From the very beginning, both the previous metropolitan mayor and certain cadres of the CHP unfortunately politicized this excessively. There is no election at hand. They have already created a candidacy process. They held a primary for an election that does not exist. An atmosphere was created as if these things were happening because of his candidacy. However, the election is in 2028. Why the rush then? I suppose a candidacy atmosphere was created, a perception was created to say 'it was done because I am a candidate.' They had such an expectation. They entered into an effort of preemptive politicization."

'THE STREETS WERE UNFORTUNATELY TERRORIZED'

"For there to be a candidacy, there must be an election. Isn't this a strange thing? There are 2.5 - 3 years until the election, and you are holding a primary. They tried to create a candidacy process and create a perception as if it were a movement during the election process. Everyone has the right to protest within the rules of law. It is not possible to accuse anyone before the judicial process is over; but it is not possible to call them innocent either. In this process, we experienced this. The streets were unfortunately terrorized, together with marginal groups. This environment created a ground. We were faced with scenes that went far beyond democratic protest. From swearing incidents to violence."

It is not possible to approve of these. In a democratic state of law, the ways of objection and forms of protest are clear. If you respect the state of law and democracy, you have to express your reaction and criticism within the law and democracy. In recent times, we have seen efforts to create an image of chaos and an atmosphere of instability. Thank God there is a relative calm here, but the turmoil and security problem created unfortunately affected the economy to a certain extent as well."

'GEZI-LIKE MOBILITY'

"The message given to the outside world was an atmosphere of creating a Gezi-like mobility. Like bringing out the negative effect of this on the economy. It has been seen in a short time that this is not the case. I think those images will disappear in a short time. There is peace and stability in our country. No one has the right to disrupt this. The government and the opposition need to feel responsibility regarding the stability and economy of this country. Everyone needs to think about the economy of this country. I would like to express that I see a connection between the economy and security. As we improve the security environment, the temporary effects on the economy disappear on their own."

'NO ONE HAS THE PRIVILEGE TO COMMIT A CRIME'

"Whoever has committed a crime, the judiciary has to look at it without saying government or opposition. Whoever has evidence, files, or complaints before the judiciary, the judiciary has to look at them. Moreover, many of the issues the judiciary is looking at are issues, complaints, reports, and testimonies coming from within the CHP itself. Whoever commits a crime, we have to hold those people and those administrations accountable. Can we blame all AK Party members because an AK Party mayor did something wrong?

The same goes for the CHP. We have to make this distinction very clearly. No one has the privilege to commit a crime. But everyone has the right to defend themselves, of course. In this process, no answer is given, there is a complete effort to pull the event into the political arena. If you feel legally justified, why are you pulling the debate into the political arena? If you are not answering any questions and are pulling the event into politics, it means you think your hand is not strong in the legal field?"

'A POLITICIAN SHOULD BE CAREFUL WHEN CALLING PEOPLE TO THE STREETS'

"Mr. Özel and the high-level management's directions, rhetoric, and tone. It is clear that preparations were made in advance from social media. I am expressing my own opinion, not the institutional one. I think there is an effort to direct social psychology in a systematic way with such fast, certain patterns, and certain studies. It is also the case that opposition segments beyond the law regarding the government see this as an opportunity and take to the field. The essential thing is that politicians should act responsibly. A politician should be very careful when calling people to the streets. In the past, people died, people were injured, and people's assets were damaged. There is a way and method of protest on the street. Saying 'I do not recognize the law' and 'I defend the state of law' is a contradiction in itself."

PRIMARY NUMBERS IN CHP ARE CONTROVERSIAL

"It started with those election members. Then non-members were included. 1 person can go and vote 10 times. There is nothing we can be sure of the result under the supervision of a judge. I do not see those numbers as correct. I also heard different figures. An election was held in Turkey. Our President was elected President with 52 percent of the vote. He worked with a free and fair election where everyone competed democratically. Why should there be an election in the country just because the CHP wants it? The conditions for holding an early election are clear. Either there will be a qualified majority in Parliament or our President will decide. The debates about who will be the candidate are the CHP's own internal debates. I suppose they are trying to soften their internal conflicts in a sense with early election debates. These harm our country. Frankly, we want to see the main opposition party settle its internal issues as soon as possible and act with a responsible understanding of politics."

'ALL INDICATORS IN THE ECONOMY ARE POSITIVE'

"There are foundations in the economy. And there are cyclical, periodic events happening above. The foundations of our economy are solid. You look at the budget, current account balance, the trend in inflation, employment, and growth. You look at the banking system and reserves. When we look at all these indicators, there is an improvement in all of them. Our current account deficit is at historically low levels. The budget deficit is around 5 percent despite the earthquake, under control. Our reserves are at quite sufficient levels. The Central Bank has provided significant reserve accumulation. We recorded 3.2 percent growth. Our unemployment is in single digits. Our inflation rate also has a downward trend to 39 percent.

Our banking system is solid, capital adequacy ratios are solid. Cyclical effects can always be positive or negative. Other effects have to remain short-term and limited. Of course, we were affected. The stock market fell. The exchange rate has also come to a very stable course with the efforts of the Central Bank and other institutions. There was some impact on interest rates and risk perceptions. You can talk about the budget effect on this. Let's not exaggerate this. If these events continue for a long time and turmoil occurs in the country, then you can talk about a more deep-rooted effect. Our President has a very clear and net support for the program. There is political will and social ownership behind this program."

'EXPECTATIONS MAY CHANGE BY 1-2 POINTS'

"It is clear that there is a certain loss in reserves. Our Central Bank and the CMB took some necessary proactive actions. They did the right thing. Our institutions took certain steps towards the temporary fluctuation in the market and towards maintaining stability. These are temporary, let's say 3-5 days. Steps taken to bring the effects of the hot event under control. This period will of course have an effect to a certain extent. There may be a slight increase in the exchange rate and permeability in expectations. Let's say 1-2 points. We will also see the effects of the movement in the exchange rate. I do not expect major changes.

The previous chairman of the CHP and names appeared on television saying 'Rumors are circulating, they should come out and make a statement.' There is an investigation regarding a crime being committed. Allegations that it was done to change the preferences of delegates and party members in exchange for money. This is a crime, of course. If the thing related to the punishment happens, whoever tries to buy someone's vote with money will see their punishment. If a crime has been committed, if money has been given to someone, if it has been intervened with financial power, it is not something acceptable according to our law."

ÖZGÜR ÖZEL'S BOYCOTT CALL

"The main opposition chairman is making boycott calls. I am truly watching with astonishment. On one hand, you will make criticisms about the economy, and on the other hand, you will target the national and domestic companies of this country. The same politicians are not in a boycott mood at all while Israel is committing genocide. I see the boycott call against our domestic and national companies as a harmful and dangerous approach. This is not a favor to Turkey. It is an irresponsible policy. The damage you do to those companies. You are harming the people working there, Turkey's production, and its national resources.

I do not remember in our country's politics until today. There was green capital rhetoric during the coup period. These are rhetorics that harm the quality of our democracy and politics. You come out as your own political party and put forward your vision and policies. Have you seen the CHP put forward an economic vision? Other than being involved in harmful actions. I believe that the responsible politicians within the CHP are also uncomfortable with this picture, and our responsible citizens who vote for the CHP are also uncomfortable with this picture. This means forgetting that we are in the same boat."

'THEY FORGET THAT WE ARE IN THE SAME BOAT'

"Mr. Mehmet got tired of denying these rumors. He had to spend part of his time on these denials. This has been done many times. I suppose they think that if Mr. Mehmet leaves, confidence in the economy will be broken. They forget that we are in the same boat. This country belongs to all of us. An approach that says let's create a perception through disinformation, lies, and slander over things that do not exist, let's harm the government, let's make the economy go bad, and let me come to power. Do you think such a party has the capacity to provide service when it comes to power? Mr. Mehmet is at the head of his duty. Can this program run without the strong political support of our President? We are in an effort to implement the holistic program. The main opposition should be uncomfortable with this program."

'A CHANGE REGARDING WITHHOLDING TAX IS NOT ON OUR AGENDA'

"Our Central Bank is our institution responsible for protecting the TL. It has opened up a number of new areas. I believe it will continue to protect the power of the TL in the dosage it needs. A very successful performance. There was some movement in foreign currency, but we did not face an exaggerated picture. At the point we have reached, I can say that the markets have calmed down relatively well today. As for the withholding tax issue. It has a side that affects public revenues. On one hand, we are observing fiscal balances. A change regarding withholding tax is not on our agenda."

'WE DID NOT DISRUPT THE CONSISTENCY OF THE GENERAL PROGRAM'

"Our manufacturing exporters stated that they are experiencing problems in terms of global competition. We are discussing what we can do for our manufacturing exporters and labor-intensive sectors. We created 2,500 lira support per employee for SMEs that do not experience employment loss. We will provide 2,500 lira aid per person if there is no employment loss when they apply. Our main measure here is to provide support with selective applications without disrupting the main framework of our program. We made a reduction in rediscount credits, we apply a different tax rate to exporters. We say 20 percent. We are both supporting that area we see as critical and not disrupting the consistency of our general program."

'THE ECONOMIC PICTURE WILL NORMALIZE MUCH MORE'

"What we call foreign is mostly financial markets. The mobility was experienced in short-term accounts. When you look at it as of today, there is a calming down; even a certain return. I can say that that atmosphere has dissipated. As it was understood that no trustee would be appointed, that there was nothing with the CHP's corporate identity, and that street movements would not continue, the markets also calmed down. In the meantime, many measures were also implemented. Political debates within Turkey may continue. As it is seen that the incident carried out by marginal groups on the streets to terrorize Turkey is not permanent, the picture will normalize much more in economic terms."

'THERE IS NO UNCERTAINTY LEFT AT THE MOMENT'

"There was a systematic effort. A negative perception was reflected to the outside world about Turkey. The US made a statement saying 'This is Turkey's internal matter.' There were statements with question marks from Europe. 3-4 countries made official statements. There was no comprehensive, official statement. It is a matter of understanding what the first day was. Perhaps question marks arose due to the main opposition's perception of reflecting this as a political event internally and externally. I see that this is also gradually dissipating. A different atmosphere was experienced internally and externally on the first day. Everyone tried to understand. There were efforts to create perception during that period. At the point we have reached today, everyone is more knowledgeable. Uncertainty in the economy is something that cannot be measured. You see the risk. You do the math. If it turns into a risk, it becomes manageable. There is no uncertainty left at the moment. There is a legal process. Everyone will follow it."

'THE ECONOMIC PICTURE WILL NORMALIZE MUCH MORE'

"What we call foreign is mostly financial markets. The mobility was experienced in short-term accounts. When you look at it as of today, there is a calming down; even a certain return. I can say that that atmosphere has dissipated. As it was understood that no trustee would be appointed, that there was nothing with the CHP's corporate identity, and that street movements would not continue, the markets also calmed down. In the meantime, many measures were also implemented. Political debates within Turkey may continue. As it is seen that the incident carried out by marginal groups on the streets to terrorize Turkey is not permanent, the picture will normalize much more in economic terms."

'THERE IS NO UNCERTAINTY LEFT AT THE MOMENT'

"There was a systematic effort. A negative perception was reflected to the outside world about Turkey. The US made a statement saying 'This is Turkey's internal matter.' There were statements with question marks from Europe. 3-4 countries made official statements. There was no comprehensive, official statement. It is a matter of understanding what the first day was. Perhaps question marks arose due to the main opposition's perception of reflecting this as a political event internally and externally. I see that this is also gradually dissipating. A different atmosphere was experienced internally and externally on the first day. Everyone tried to understand. There were efforts to create perception during that period. At the point we have reached today, everyone is more knowledgeable. Uncertainty in the economy is something that cannot be measured. You see the risk. You do the math. If it turns into a risk, it becomes manageable. There is no uncertainty left at the moment. There is a legal process. Everyone will follow it."

WILL THE AKP AND CHP EXCHANGE HOLIDAY GREETINGS?

"Parties do the holiday greeting. It is not on the government side. I always see benefit in having a dialogue between the government of this country and the main opposition. This is something the parties will decide. I have no information about the holiday greeting."

'MR. BAHÇELİ'S MOVE IS HISTORIC'

"The main framework of the work is our President's vision, the Century of Turkey. Our President emphasized strengthening the internal front on various occasions. What is happening in Gaza, what is happening around us in Syria. A vision that foresees Turkey strengthening its internal structure and the need for integration against those who play games over our region. Mr. Bahçeli's call was a historic call. For terrorism to end permanently and to stop being a shackle. There have been studies by our state institutions in this process. Of course, studies were carried out where our President meticulously drew the political framework. The founder of the terrorist organization made a call to his own organization to 'dissolve yourselves.' This expresses that it has passed to a new stage. The ball is, so to speak, in the terrorist organization's court. They will set a congress date and take this decision. I take Mr. Bahçeli's call as 'gather as soon as possible and take the decision'."

'DEM PARTY IS NOT DOING ITS DUTY'

"Öcalan is under certain conditions in Imralı. He has a call to the terrorist organization. The terrorist organization is not in a position to stall. I think the DEM Party members are not doing their duty here. They should clearly say to the terrorist organization, 'Your organization's founder, dissolve yourselves, and we are making the same call.' I have not heard this until today. If you defend democratic competition, you have to do this. If the terrorist organization dissolves, no one will say to DEM, 'You are doing politics with elbow contact with the terrorist organization.' When these weapons are laid down, a new perspective will open for democracy and development. We will continue our way much more strongly as Turkish, Kurdish, Alevi, and Sunni. We will do our competition in a democratic atmosphere. What is critical is the gathering of the congress and the making of this statement."

'THE PROCESS IS GOING POSITIVELY SO FAR'

"I can say that the process is going positively so far. It is a positive development that the deputies are consulting. This is a process that needs to progress in stages. This process should not be delayed. It will be healthy for this call to be made and this congress to be gathered as soon as possible. We are also following this closely. There is no blockage in the process, it continues. Let it proceed quickly. Let no one interfere with the process. It is best for us to carry out these processes within ourselves."

'WE DO NOT HEAR THE SAME THING FROM THE DEM PARTY'

"The state has authorized institutions. What the DEM Party needs to do is, just as Mr. Bahçeli says 'gather the congress as soon as possible.' We do not hear the same thing from the DEM Party. Instead of loading duties and responsibilities onto others, they need to turn and look at themselves. What they need to do is to make the call and say to the terrorist organization, 'gather your congress and take the decision.' The DEM Party made its visit. Meetings were held. It made the necessary consultations. Finally, a message came from there. There is no point in talking about the same thing over and over. The person who founded the terrorist organization said to the terrorist organization, 'gather your congress and dissolve yourselves.' One must first see that."

HOLIDAY BONUS FOR RETIREES

"What we call a holiday bonus is something the AK Party introduced in 2018. It is a support given by law. It is not something that is revised in certain periods. It is not an application with an automatic increase order. It was 3,000 lira at the last. This 3,000 lira started for certain segments on Monday. Since the law has not been passed, 3,000 will be deposited, and when the law is passed, that difference will be deposited. It will have increased to a total of 8,000 lira in the form of 4+4, including Ramadan and Eid al-Adha. There is a cost of this to the budget.

I wish our number of retirees was lower so we could offer more to our existing retirees. We have 16 million retirees. We understand our retirees and their living conditions. We are taking steps by pushing our means. As the decline in inflation continues, we will continue to be with our retirees. The cost of this step is 28.5 billion lira. We need to increase registered employment. A long-term perspective is really very important here."