CHP Leader Özgür Özel: “We’re Under Attack Through State Power and the Judiciary”
özgür özel
Following his re-election as chairman at the 21st Extraordinary Congress of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), Özgür Özel criticized what he described as “asymmetric political attacks” on the party, driven by state authority and judicial pressure.
Özel Thanks Delegates for Defending Party Integrity Amid Political Pressure
In his post-congress remarks, Özel stated:
“We are under significant attack — using public power and by giving instructions to a judiciary that should remain impartial and independent.”
He praised CHP delegates for their resilience, saying:
“Our delegates have shown both allies and opponents what kind of party CHP is, and what kind of honorable, honest, and hard-working people they are.”
“Asymmetric Political Attacks Replacing Democratic Competition”
Özel condemned the government's use of public institutions and judiciary against the opposition, arguing that instead of competing through democratic means:
“There is an asymmetric assault against our party, not a political race based on service or policy.”
Link to March 31 Elections: A Shift in Public Will
Özel connected the ongoing pressure with the results of the March 31 local elections, which saw significant victories for the CHP:
“The people have taken the first step towards change in the local elections. They are preparing to bring CHP to power.”
He asserted that attacks on CHP’s structure and delegates were reactionary measures following the party’s electoral momentum.
“We Challenged the System and Earned the People’s Trust”
Addressing the vote at the congress, Özel emphasized the significance of his re-election:
“We challenged the system by saying: ‘Let the same delegates vote again.’ Their trust means everything to us.”
The proposed leadership list was largely approved, with only minor changes, demonstrating strong internal party unity.
“I thank our delegates once again for their trust, and I congratulate all our elected colleagues,” he added.