YENİ Party Chairman Özgür Özel made assessments regarding the new administrative staff and the presidential candidacy debates within the opposition ahead of his party's first ordinary congress, which will be held on November 14-15.
Speaking to the Milliyet newspaper, Özel said that names from different political traditions could be included in the administration to be formed at the congress. Stating that the party will maintain its center-left line, Özel gave the message that names from conservative, nationalist, Kurdish, and socialist democratic circles could also be included in the staff.
Expressing that not only the new administration but also the party's solution proposals for Turkey's fundamental problems and election promises will be announced at the congress, Özel stated that the reconsideration of the number of members in the Party Assembly is on the agenda.
ASSESSMENT REGARDING CANDIDACY DEBATES
Touching upon the subject of presidential candidacy, Özel stated that their support for Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu continues. Reminding of the judicial process regarding İmamoğlu's diploma, Özel emphasized that there is no finalized conviction and said that the candidacy remains on the agenda.
Making an assessment for Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş as well, Özel expressed that Yavaş is a strong option for the presidency. Özel stated that he finds it correct for Yavaş to focus on his municipal work and stay away from candidacy debates.
Responding to questions about his own candidacy by saying that this is not his priority, Özel pointed to the importance of public opinion polls and consensus among opposition parties in the candidate determination process. According to Özel, the process should be shaped around a name that can win the election rather than personal preferences.
Speaking about the developments in the CHP, Özel stated that he does not consider the current administration legitimate. Arguing that for cooperation to be possible on issues such as election security and ballot box officials, the CHP administration must be on a line that can work with the YENİ Party, Özel said, "There needs to be a friendly administration at the head of the CHP."
Stating that he expects the decision of absolute nullity regarding the CHP's congress to be overturned by the Court of Cassation, Özel emphasized that this does not mean the YENİ Party will return to the CHP. Özel used the expression, "We will not go and return to the CHP."
Touching upon the early election debates, Özel said that he does not see elections being moved forward by only a few weeks or a few months as a real early election. Özel also claimed that he believes there is an agreement between CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and President and AKP Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Denying the allegations of money transfers regarding himself, Özel argued that the claims that he received money from Mustafa Sarıgül's son are not true. Stating that he would quit politics if such a transfer were proven, Özel also did not accept the allegations that he bought a villa abroad.
News Source: 12punto
