22.05.2026 07:50
CHP Manisa Deputy Özgür Özel, who was suspended from his position as CHP Chairman by the decision of the Ankara Regional Court of Justice 36th Civil Chamber, made statements at the CHP Headquarters after the MYK Meeting. In response to the question 'Did you meet with Kılıçdaroğlu?', Özel said, 'There were many calls, including one from Kılıçdaroğlu. I haven't returned his call yet. What would we talk about?'
"With the 'absolute nullity' decision, Özgür Özel, who was removed from his position as the General Chairman of the CHP, made striking statements at the CHP headquarters. Stating that Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu called him, Özel said, 'I received many calls, and Kılıçdaroğlu is among those who called. I haven't returned his call yet. What will we talk about with him?'
'THIS COUP WAS NOT AGAINST US, BUT AGAINST THE NATION'
Describing the decision as 'a dark day for Turkish democracy,' Özel argued that the process was directed not just at the CHP, but directly at the nation. Özel stated, 'This issue is neither about Özgür Özel nor the change congress. This war has been waged against the nation. This coup was made against the nation, not us.'
'THE DARK REGIME OF THE AK PARTY'
Continuing his remarks by explaining the change process within the CHP, Özel said that after the 2023 elections, the party entered a major period of self-criticism. Arguing that the success achieved in the local elections disturbed the government, Özel stated, 'We put the main obstacle to the AK Party's dark order in the local elections. We made the CHP the leading party for the first time in 47 years.'
'I WILL NOT SIT IN THAT SEAT'
Stating that he would continue to support presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu, Özel said, 'They tell me, "Leave Ekrem, abandon the struggle, return to Ankara, and sit at the head of the party." I will not sit in that seat. I will not sit in that seat with the palace's permission.'
'WE FILED OUR OBJECTION WITH THE COURT OF CASSATION'
Announcing that they have launched a legal challenge against the decision, Özel said, 'We filed our application with the Court of Cassation for the removal of the injunction. We expect the Supreme Election Council to stand by the mandate it gave us.'
'WHAT WILL WE TALK ABOUT WITH KILIÇDAROĞLU?'
Stating that he had not yet returned Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's call, Özel said, 'I do not want to think that Mr. Kılıçdaroğlu would want to return to the CHP seat through the hand of the AK Party's judiciary. Under today's conditions, such a ground for dialogue would not befit our past relationship.'
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