CHP Chairman Özgür Özel has made a bold statement, declaring that he will resign the day after the first general election if his party does not come to power.
During a live broadcast on TV100, Özel discussed various issues, including the recent incident where CHP Group members stood up to greet President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the opening of the parliamentary legislative session. Özel stated that if he were to become the party leader and continue the same practices as his predecessors, he would not change this tradition. However, he emphasized that the party’s success in becoming the leading party after 47 years was due to different approaches taken.
Regarding his decision to resign if the party does not win in the first general election, Özel explained, “This decision is out of respect for the position, as the people expect respect for the Presidency. I had stated that I would respect the Presidency, and I will continue to do so, but I will not criticize the government in the process.”
Özel clarified that the decision to stand up and greet President Erdoğan was not a group decision but a personal one. He consulted with former party leaders Altan Öymen, Murat Karayalçın, and Hikmet Çetin before making this decision. Despite some initial resistance within the party, Özel maintained that he did not force anyone to comply with his decision.
Expressing his determination to lead the party to power, Özel referenced the political strategy of former Prime Minister Bülent Ecevit in the 1970s, who led the party to victory in two general and two local elections. Özel affirmed his commitment to fulfilling his promises and stated that if the CHP does not become the leading party and form the government in the first general election, he will resign the next day.
When asked about his interactions with MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli, Özel recounted a recent exchange where he criticized Bahçeli for targeting journalists and their families. Despite this, Özel maintained a diplomatic approach and emphasized the importance of mutual respect in political discourse.
Regarding the ongoing court case involving Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, Özel predicted that any political ban imposed on İmamoğlu would be overturned in the appeals process, emphasizing the need to avoid falling into the trap of divisive political tactics.
Addressing concerns about the hygiene standards in schools, Özel instructed party members to respect children’s privacy and follow rules when inspecting school facilities for cleanliness issues. He emphasized the importance of notifying local authorities if hygiene problems are identified, ensuring prompt action to address any issues.
In discussing the prospect of a new constitution, Özel urged adherence to the current constitution and emphasized the importance of upholding constitutional principles, especially in light of recent challenges to the rule of law in Turkey.
On the topic of meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Özel revealed that initial discussions had been positive, with Assad expressing willingness to engage in dialogue. However, Özel noted that formal requests for a meeting had been submitted, and they awaited a response from the Syrian government.
Overall, Özgür Özel’s statements reflect a commitment to principled leadership, respect for democratic institutions, and a willingness to engage in dialogue on challenging issues facing Turkey. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Özel’s bold stance underscores his determination to lead the CHP to victory in upcoming elections.
