27.06.2026 13:01
Speaking at the COP31 Business Forum in the UK, CHP Elazığ MP Gürsel Erol described the efforts carried out after the February 6 disaster and the performance of Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum as a 'success story,' using praiseful expressions. Erol said, 'Completing 450,000 houses in a very short time and ensuring that millions of people can safely take shelter there is not something every country can do; it is a very difficult task.'
The events of the "London Climate Action Week," held for the eighth time this year in the UK's capital London, continue to bring together international politics and the business world. On the third day of the organization, the COP31 Business Forum featured a speech by Gürsel Erol, a CHP deputy from Elazığ, who was part of the delegation representing Turkey, leaving a significant mark.
HE PRAISED THE GOVERNMENT'S EARTHQUAKE PERFORMANCE
Setting aside the usual harsh and tense polarization of politics, CHP's Erol, from the podium, used commendatory expressions towards the AK Party government and Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum, particularly for the efforts carried out after the February 6 earthquakes.
Erol reminded that all opposition deputies were present there as representatives of Turkey, emphasizing that it is a duty to stand behind the right actions taken for the benefit of the state and the nation.
"THANKS TO THE MEASURES TAKEN, WE DID NOT LOSE A SINGLE LIFE IN ELAZIĞ"
Evaluating the action plans shaped especially through urban transformation and the vision of earthquake-resilient cities, Gürsel Erol gave examples from his own constituency of Elazığ, stating the following:
"If a correct action has been taken, it should be supported, and your own thoughts should be shared with additions. Dear Minister, in the COP31 action agenda, you emphasize earthquake-resilient cities. The climate crisis, re-planning industrial investments, and proper use of energy resources are very important, but we also have a vital earthquake risk. I am the Elazığ deputy; in 2020, we experienced a major earthquake in our city. At that time, our Minister did not leave the region for even a moment for two months, built 25,000 houses in a very short time, and completely solved the housing problem. Thanks to those steadfast measures taken back then and the correct urban structuring, not a single life was lost in Elazığ during the great disaster of 2023, and no buildings collapsed."
"PROVIDING MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WITH SAFE SHELTER IS NOT SOMETHING EVERY COUNTRY CAN DO"
Stating that building earthquake-resistant cities is now a global issue and responsibility, CHP's Erol described Minister Kurum's management reflex during crisis moments as a "success story." Touching on Turkey's disaster response, Erol concluded his speech with the following words: "Completing 450,000 houses in a very short time and ensuring that millions of people can live there safely is not something every country can do; it is a very difficult task. This is truly a success story. While the disaster of the century occurred, the capacity to produce such rapid solutions to this disaster is also a tremendous organizational skill. We know very well your capacity to get things done. It is once again evident how correct and appropriate a decision was made by electing you as the COP31 President on the international stage."