Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu met with Republican People’s Party (CHP) lawmakers, Party Assembly members, and provincial and district chairs on Feb. 27, as part of his candidacy in the CHP primary to determine the party’s presidential nominee.
A Symbolic Meeting Before the Historic Vote
Before the “Elect and Make History” event, İmamoğlu held a brief meeting with CHP lawmakers, described as a gesture of gratitude toward the parliamentary group. He later entered the event hall alongside CHP Chair Özgür Özel.
Greeting the audience, İmamoğlu highlighted the significance of the primary, emphasizing that this was the first time in Turkey’s history that a political party’s presidential candidate would be chosen through an internal vote.
Call for Transformation and Political Change
Expressing his determination to end the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) government, İmamoğlu stressed the importance of structural change within CHP.
“If the CHP changes, Turkey changes. The CHP has shaken off its stagnation, started changing, and initiated transformation.”
He pointed out that since the 2023 party congress, the CHP had overcome its post-election despair and emerged as Turkey’s leading party following the March 31, 2024, local elections.
“We must now say, as all members of the CHP, that we have started and strengthened the transformation of our party.”
Ongoing Legal Battles and Political Resilience
İmamoğlu also addressed the lawsuits against him, which could lead to a political ban and a prison sentence of up to 25 years.
“They are monitoring the process in hopes of canceling our party congress. Their vision has darkened so much that they have forgotten that the people’s will cannot be suppressed.”
A Message of Hope to the Nation
Directing his speech to the public, İmamoğlu acknowledged economic struggles, political crises, and social challenges, urging citizens to remain hopeful.
“To the great people of this country, who are exhausted from economic hardship caused by waste, incompetence, and arrogance… who see the collapse of justice, education, and healthcare… I say: Do not lose hope. Keep your spirits high. The dawn is breaking.”
He concluded by framing his campaign as a long and challenging journey to restore trust, bring systemic change, and elevate Turkey’s global standing.
Cem Cetinguc