09.09.2025 14:00
Speaking about the appointment of a trustee to the CHP Provincial Presidency and the allegations raised before the convention lawsuit, CHP Chairman Özgür Özel issued a challenge. In statements to the Financial Times, Özel expressed that they are ready for large protests that "millions, if not tens of millions," could join, stating, "We will carry out actions that will bring life to a standstill."
CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, in an interview with the UK-based Financial Times newspaper, described the government's actions against his party as a "legal coup" and claimed that President Erdoğan is trying to establish a one-party system similar to Russia.
"A COUP HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT AGAINST THE FUTURE RULING PARTY"
Referring to the process that began with the cancellation of the Istanbul provincial chairmanship election, Özel stated, "A coup has been carried out against the future ruling party," reminding that the CHP has been ahead in every election and adding, "They are trying to seize the founding party. We are facing an authoritarian regime, and the only option is to resist. If the CHP goes, Turkey goes too," he said.
"LIFE WILL COME TO A STANDSTILL"
Özel noted that they have prepared peaceful but effective civil disobedience actions against lawsuits, stating, "They are trying to take over the party that won the last elections, which is the founding party of the Republic of Turkey and is leading in all polls... We are facing an authoritarian government and... the only option is to resist. If the CHP goes, Turkey goes too," he said.
Özel stated that they are ready for large protests that could involve millions, saying, "We will carry out actions that will bring life to a standstill," emphasizing that they will not bow to pressure. Özel added, "Erdoğan knows he cannot win the elections, which is why he wants a weak opposition like in Russia."