CHP Leader Özgür Özel Addresses Members in Istanbul
During a mass member participation ceremony organized by his party at the Nazım Hikmet Cultural Center in Istanbul’s Esenyurt district, CHP leader Özgür Özel highlighted the significance of Esenyurt as a district that has attracted migrants from 80 different provinces.
Özel emphasized that Esenyurt’s population has exceeded one million, making it not only the most populous district in Istanbul but also in all of Turkey. He described the CHP as the “paternal home” and stressed that the ownership of the party does not lie with any individual, including himself, Kemal Bey, Ecevit, or İsmet Paşa. Rather, Özel pointed out that the true owner of the party is Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, stating that anyone who joins the CHP becomes as much a member of the party as he is.
CHP’s Vision for the Future
Özel highlighted the CHP’s goal of making Atatürk’s party the ruling party of Turkey, emphasizing that the time has come for this vision to be realized. He called for unity and solidarity within the party, underscoring the responsibility of all members to work towards achieving this objective. Özel expressed confidence in the CHP’s potential to ascend to power, citing its historical position as Turkey’s leading party and its recent success in local elections.
Following the local elections, Özel assured that the CHP has not paused in its efforts and will continue to stand by various segments of society, including retirees, workers, unemployed teachers, and farmers. He recounted the party’s presence at rallies and events across the country, underscoring its commitment to supporting the people and addressing their needs.
CHP’s Stance on Presidential Candidacy
Addressing the issue of the presidential candidacy, Özel emphasized that those who seek to create chaos and division within the party by fueling debates over potential candidates are not true friends of the CHP. He urged members to focus on pressing issues such as poverty, unemployment, and education, rather than getting embroiled in speculative discussions about the candidacy. Özel assured that the party’s presidential candidate will be chosen collectively, with the input of the organization, and declared that every member of the CHP is a potential candidate.
Reflecting on the CHP’s recent victory as the leading party in elections after 47 years, Özel stressed the importance of sustaining this success by involving youth and women, prioritizing merit-based assessments, and making well-informed decisions. He reiterated the party’s commitment to upholding its policies and supporting its representatives at all levels of government.
In conclusion, Özgür Özel’s visit to Istanbul, where he also visited Maltepe and Ataşehir municipalities, exemplifies the CHP’s dedication to engaging with its members and communities, as well as its determination to lead the country forward with integrity and unity.
