CHP Leader Özgür Özel: “They Can Find Nothing to Defend”
Ankara, January 29 – Republican People’s Party (CHP) Leader Özgür Özel stated that the government has “nothing to defend” regarding ongoing accusations and criticized the lack of live broadcast for the Aziz İhsan Aktaş case. He also called for early elections in Istanbul, challenging President Erdoğan.
No Evidence Presented Despite Accusations
Speaking after a meeting with IYI Party Leader Müsavat Dervişoğlu, Özel emphasized that despite accusations debated on television for an entire summer, no video or audio recordings were presented to prove the claims against the CHP. “President Bahçeli and President Erdoğan have withdrawn from behind the prosecutor and the indictment since they saw the indictments. They can find nothing to defend,” Özel stated.
Attack on CHP and Democracy
Özel asserted that the CHP is under an attack reminiscent of coup periods, stating, “The March 19 coup targeted the Republican People’s Party alone and was a coup attempting to eliminate the Republican People’s Party’s presidential candidate and the Republican People’s Party’s goal of coming to power.”
Economic Criticisms and Call for Early Elections
Commenting on the economy, Özel expressed shame over the 20,000 lira pension, saying, “We are ashamed of this 20,000 lira, but some continue to defend it shamelessly.” He highlighted the difficulty of raising a family on the 28,000 lira minimum wage and stressed that the people have lost hope in the current government, seeing early elections as the only solution. “We are walking in separate lanes but with the same good intentions to bring about a change in power in Turkey that will make everyone smile,” he added.
No Live Broadcast for Court Cases
Regarding the Aziz İhsan Aktaş case, where suspended CHP mayors are being tried, Özel noted that despite calls for a live broadcast and support from President Bahçeli and positive remarks from President Erdoğan, there was no live broadcast. “We are deprived of a live broadcast at the point of giving answers to the truths,” Özel said, urging Bahçeli and Erdoğan to remember this issue.
Challenge to Erdoğan for Istanbul Elections
Özel reiterated his call for early elections and challenged President Erdoğan to renew the Istanbul mayoral elections. “If Erdoğan believes in himself, I am ready to have all my municipal council members in Istanbul resign, and for the Istanbul elections to be renewed simultaneously with Erdoğan. If he has the courage, let the people of Istanbul decide,” Özel declared. He added that if the CHP wins the Istanbul elections, they expect an immediate early general election. “If you win the election, I’m out. If I win, let’s go to early elections, are you in?” he challenged Erdoğan.
İYİ Party’s Stance on “Terror-Free Turkey” Process
İYİ Party Leader Dervişoğlu, in his statement, reiterated his criticism of the “solution process” as a “treasonous project” aimed at questioning the Republic. He urged for sensitivity towards the Republic and warned against being complicit in the “mines laid by İmralı,” referring to the imprisoned PKK leader. “The process is not transparent. Do not be complicit in the mines laid by a bloody murderer, İmralı,” Dervişoğlu said.
Source: https://www.dha.com.tr/yerel-haberler/ankara/ankara-ozgur-ozel-savunacak-hicbir-sey-bulam-2808074
