Özgür Özel makes statement on 'presidential candidacy'

Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman Özgür Özel made statements on Habertürk TV.

Responding to a question regarding recent claims that the CHP has pushed its 'transition to a parliamentary system' rhetoric into the background, Özel replied: "We have not abandoned the strengthened parliamentary system. We are focusing more on issues that affect the lives of citizens. If you answer every question by talking about the strengthened parliamentary system, it is understood as if you don't know anything about other topics." 

ÖZEL'S STATEMENT ON CANDIDACY

Regarding whether he will be a candidate in the upcoming presidential election, Özgür Özel stated: "I am not a presidential candidate. Do you know what I am a candidate for? To make Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's and all of our party the ruling power. I want to go down in history as the person who ended Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's 24-year rule and entrusted a Turkey that has transitioned to a strengthened parliamentary system to the future." 

"WE WILL NOT BE PARTNERS IN A 24-YEAR WRECK"

Speaking about the normalization period that began following his meetings with AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan after the March 31 Local Elections, Özel said: "This is what is normal; the ruling party and the opposition should be able to meet in the 100th year of the republic." Adding that he would not be a partner in the government's 24-year wreck, Özel said, "I am not a fool to take over the wreckage." 

News Source: 12punto