17.12.2025 20:10
The images of CHP Chairman Özgür Özel drinking rakı at the grave of Kamer Genç stirred controversy in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. A heated debate took place between K Party Group Deputy Chair Leyla Şahin Usta and CHP Group Deputy Chair Ali Mahir Başarır.
In the General Assembly of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), a debate occurred between AK Party Group Deputy Chair Leyla Şahin Usta and CHP Group Deputy Chair Ali Mahir Başarır regarding 'drinking rakı at a gravesite.'
DEBATE ON "RAKI" IN THE ASSEMBLY
The TBMM General Assembly convened under the chairmanship of Deputy Speaker Bekir Bozdağ to discuss the budget proposals for the Presidency and the Ministry of Labor and Social Security for the year 2026. The meeting was also attended by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz and Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan.
"THOSE WHO DRINK RAKI AT GRAVESITES"
The images of CHP Chairman Özgür Özel drinking rakı at the gravesite of Kamer Genç sparked discussions in the TBMM General Assembly. Speaking on behalf of the AK Party group regarding the budget, Antalya Deputy Ethem Taş explained the developments in the defense industry, stating, "The CHP Chairman has taken the stage, claiming that fish are disturbed in Sinop, where historical tests are conducted. Don't worry, we know very well who is disturbed. Let me tell you who is disturbed: those who drink rakı at gravesites."
"LOOK IN THE MIRROR"
CHP Group Deputy Chair Ali Mahir Başarır responded, "In this country, those who drink will drink, and those who don't, won't. The Presidents of this country, Mr. Özal and Mr. Demirel, have openly stated that they drink alcohol. But thank God, there have never been journalists in our history who board the President's plane, then get off, and use cocaine. Look in the mirror," he said.
"YOUR ATTEMPT TO LEGITIMIZE IS WRONG"
Following CHP's Başarır's speech, exchanges occurred between the AK Party and CHP groups. AK Party Group Deputy Chair Leyla Şahin Usta stated, "Drinking alcohol at a gravesite is neither part of our traditions, nor our customs, nor our beliefs. This is a real event. There cannot be a more wrong thing than trying to legitimize this from here just because 'they said it.' If you said, 'Let's do what is necessary to ensure this does not happen again,' we would understand and applaud you. There cannot be a more wrong attitude than praising what has been done and trying to put it in a position of legitimacy. Those boxes you mentioned, etc., are only your baklava boxes, and it has also come out in the records. It is very clear and evident that all the slanders made on December 17-25 were slanders and lies. However, if you say, 'Everything is a lie, empty' without saying a word about the indictment regarding Istanbul, it is very clear what you are filling it with. You are the ones who filled that indictment; your lies and slanders. Stealing, consuming the people's money, stacking money towers in front of cameras, and then saying from this podium, 'We are clean' is only fitting for you," she expressed.
"COCAINE USE BY THOSE FLYING ON THE PLANE IS A CRIME"
While exchanges continued in the General Assembly, CHP Group Deputy Chair Ali Mahir Başarır spoke from his seat, saying, "Look, I am saddened to talk about 'who drank what' here, but I say again. Drinking alcohol is not a crime in this country. But it is a crime for those who fly around in the President's plane and use cocaine with my money. Be ashamed of that," he stated.
"LOOK AT YOURSELF"
AK Party's Usta responded, "Drinking alcohol is not illegal in this country; we say this very clearly; but trying to defend drinking rakı at a gravesite is wrong. Whoever uses illegal substances has been caught and is currently detained and being prosecuted. Your General Chairman has also appeared on that person's program. So he must have known. They are skilled at covering up their actions by shouting and screaming. Today's agenda in the General Assembly is not to discuss those who are being prosecuted in court. We trust our courts. Mr. Mahir cannot make such an accusation against our group by overstepping his bounds. Look at yourself. We know very well what condition they came to this General Assembly in," she concluded.