Özgür Özel, who said 'yes' to the framework law, breaks his silence: My conscience is clear

Following the adoption of the Law on the Strengthening of National Solidarity and Social Integration in the TBMM, the "yes" vote cast by New Party Chairman Özgür Özel sparked debate within the party base and the parliamentary group.

While 467 deputies voted "yes" to the law, this number included 35 New Party deputies. In the New Party group, 54 deputies voted "no," and two deputies did not participate in the vote.

Speaking to Nefes columnist Deniz Zeyrek, Özel described allowing different voting preferences within the party as a "hybrid model." Özel stated that instead of imposing group discipline on deputies, they provided them with the opportunity to decide based on the tendencies of their constituents and their own consciences.

“I told our New Party deputies, 'Trust me, I will explain my concerns on the podium, I am leaving you alone with your conscience and your constituents.' And they voted according to the views coming from their cities.”

Özel noted that there were strong expectations for a "yes" vote in some electoral districts, while the prevailing view in Manisa was "no." He stated that for this reason, two deputies from Manisa voted "no."

Responding to the criticisms, Özel said that the process was not conducted transparently and that the text had only reached them shortly before the vote. Despite this, he argued that a social democratic party must take a principled stance on issues such as the Kurdish question and the dissolution of the terrorist organization.

“It is understandable for parties with nationalist sensitivities to say 'no,' but it does not seem principled for a social democratic party that says 'the Kurdish question exists' and prepared a comprehensive report on this subject in 1989 to oppose such an initial step.”

Özel expressed that it was not possible for the entire group to say "yes," and that having everyone say "no" could have pushed the party into a position of "not giving peace a chance." He emphasized that the decision was made based on the principles they defend, not on short-term political calculations.

Responding to comments within the opposition that "the government is trying to extend its political life with this law," Özel said that conducting politics solely through opposition to President Tayyip Erdoğan does not yield the right results in every situation.

“My conscience is clear. It is not right for us to do the opposite of a view we have defended for years just because of opposition to Erdoğan. I think we made the right decision.”

Özel stated that he did not agree with the comments that "he won again," adding, "If something is to be won in the end, at least he did not win it alone. If there is a winner, it is the country that is winning."

Evaluating the disappointment within the party base, Özel said that their decision would be better understood over time. "Rest assured, it was the AK Party that was most disturbed by our 'yes' votes," said Özel, adding that he does not find it right to act based on anger or circumstantial calculations on this matter.

News Source: 12punto