New Party Chairman Özgür Özel addressed party members in front of the Mersin Metropolitan Municipality building. In his speech, Özel touched upon the debates surrounding nullity and the judicial processes directed at mayors, emphasizing democracy, the rule of law, and the will of the voters.
Offering messages of support to the detained Mersin Metropolitan Mayor Vahap Seçer, Yenişehir Mayor Abdullah Özyiğit, and Mezitli Mayor Ahmet Serkan Tuncer, Özel stated that they would continue to stand behind the mayors.
Recalling that he worked with Vahap Seçer during his time as a member of parliament, Özel drew attention to Seçer's success in the 2019 and 2024 local elections. Arguing that Seçer has provided services in Mersin without discrimination, Özel said, "Mayor Vahap is not currently a member of the New Party. However, Mayor Vahap is our fellow traveler. We are at the same point today as we were on that day."
EMPHASIS ON JUSTICE AND EQUALITY
Stating that they are not requesting privileges for the mayors, Özel expressed that the allegations should be investigated within the framework of the law. Claiming that double standards are being applied in the detention processes, Özel said, "We are not asking for any privileges, concessions, or immunity from prosecution for Mayor Vahap or our mayors. We only want justice, we want equality."
In his speech, Özel also addressed the attempts to shut down the party and the debates on nullity, arguing that there is an attempt to block democratic politics. Özel stated, "We are the hope of this country, its future, undefeated and unyielding against this government."
Stating that Mersin reflects the common will of citizens from different political views, Özel noted that social democrats, nationalists, conservatives, Kurds, liberals, and socialist democrats can come together within the framework of democracy. He defined this unity as the "Mersin Alliance" and the "Turkey Alliance."
Claiming that families are also being victimized in operations against municipalities, Özel called for respect for the presumption of innocence and the rights of families during judicial processes. Criticizing the government over the economy, public administration, and lack of oversight, Özel said that the understanding of governance in Turkey must change.
At the end of his speech, stating that they will continue to support the detained mayors and figures affected by judicial processes, especially Ekrem İmamoğlu, Özel made a call for unity with the words, "There is no salvation alone, either all together or none of us."
News Source: 12punto
