CHP Leader Özgür Özel Calls for Cross-Party Support for Pensioners
Ankara, January 20 – The leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), Özgür Özel, addressed his party’s group meeting in the Turkish Grand National Assembly today, focusing on critical national issues including pensioner welfare, post-earthquake reconstruction efforts, and societal problems such as gambling addiction and crime. Özel notably extended an olive branch to Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli, urging him to propose a solution for the lowest retirement salaries and promising the CHP’s unconditional support.
Call for Action on Pensioner Salaries
Özel highlighted the plight of pensioners, stating, “Mr. Devlet Bahçeli should submit his proposal, and we will pass his proposal. Our esteemed elder should do a great kindness to pensioners. We will support it with both hands, Mr. Devlet. Mr. Devlet, you do a great kindness here, and the Republican People’s Party will give its unconditional support. We will protect the pensioners.” This statement comes after Bahçeli himself recently described the current pensioner salaries as “poverty wages.” Özel emphasized that despite political differences, the issue of pensioner welfare should unite all parties.
Criticism of Earthquake Zone Reconstruction
Özel began his speech by recalling his visit to the earthquake-stricken region of Hatay over the weekend. He criticized President Erdoğan’s portrayal of the situation, stating, “Mr. Erdoğan has a desire regarding the earthquake zone: that all problems in the earthquake zone have been solved, all difficulties are over, everyone is happy. No one has any worries, concerns, or rebellion, and the region should not speak out, and the remaining 70 provinces should believe this. And this should be written positively in Erdoğan’s record. This is the whole calculation.”
Özel accused the government of ignoring the contributions of the opposition and presented a challenge: “If Mr. Erdoğan is brave enough, on February 6, let’s visit Hatay together. Let him say ‘I am in,’ and let’s go together. I am telling Mr. Erdoğan. There’s nothing wrong with the ceremony there. Hold the ceremony in Osmaniye with your alliance partner. Then come, let’s go together, let’s walk the streets of Hatay. I will tell you what we have done in Hatay or in 10 provinces. And you look the people in the eye and deny it.”
Kartalkaya Fire Case: A Matter of Honor for CHP
Özel also addressed the upcoming anniversary of the Kartalkaya hotel fire, which claimed the lives of 78 people, including 36 children. He declared, “The Kartalkaya case is a matter of honor for the Republican People’s Party until the last responsible person is tried and punished. We will follow it to the end.” He criticized the lack of investigation into Culture and Tourism Ministry officials, alleging a cover-up by those in power.
Growing Societal Problems: Gambling and Crime
The CHP leader then turned to pressing societal issues, highlighting the widespread problem of gambling addiction. Citing Green Crescent reports, Özel stated, “There are 7 million gambling addicts in Turkey. This is more than the number of drug addicts.” He presented survey data indicating that 11% of respondents planned to quit gambling in the new year. Özel tragically recounted the story of Ferdi Çatal, a veteran who lost a leg in a terrorist attack and later committed suicide due to virtual gambling addiction, leaving a note behind. Özel lamented, “A state that couldn’t protect a veteran who lost his leg for it. He gambled due to economic difficulties. He committed suicide where he lost his leg. The country has come to this.”
Özel also spoke about the rising issue of crime gangs exploiting children. He mentioned recent cases of minors being murdered, emphasizing that “no one is born a murderer.” He attributed this to the environment and the state’s failure to provide adequate support, leading children into a life of crime. He stressed that these gangs use minors to receive lighter sentences, and without proper state intervention, these children often return to criminal organizations after serving their time.
Call for Peace and Brotherhood in Syria
Finally, Özel addressed developments in Syria, expressing concern over the renewed conflicts. He reiterated CHP’s consistent support for Syria’s territorial integrity and stability, advocating for the constitutional protection of all beliefs and identities. He urged all parties to prioritize diplomacy and uphold existing agreements. “The environment of tension will not benefit Syria, Turkey, or the countries of the region; everyone should act with common sense,” Özel stated. He called for a “calm, long-term, peaceful mind” to be built, emphasizing that true salvation lies in the joint future construction of all brotherly identities, free from imperialist ambitions.
Özel concluded by inviting everyone “not to fuel war, but to defend peace and brotherhood.”
