03.09.2026 10:40
Özgür Özel, the leader of the New Party, whose handshake with CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu at the opening of the judicial year drew attention, said this contact carried no political significance. Stating that leaving Kılıçdaroğlu's extended hand in the air is not in his nature, Özel emphasized that his resentment continues, saying, 'In my heart, there is no room left for Kemal Bey, not even as much as the head of a pin.'
The repercussions of the handshake between CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and New Party Chairman Özgür Özel at the 2026-2027 Judicial Year opening continue. The handshake between the two figures, who came together at the ceremony in the Yargıtay Ismail Rüştü Cirit Conference Hall, had drawn attention due to the tension between them.
Özel was asked about the handshake, which caused various interpretations in the public eye. Stating that shaking Kılıçdaroğlu's hand did not imply any political message or rapprochement, Özel made striking remarks.
"LEAVING A HAND HANGING IN THE AIR IS NOT IN MY NATURE"
Özel explained why he shook hands with Kılıçdaroğlu with these words: "I mean, an 80-year-old man came; I stood up while sitting, he extended his hand, I extended mine. Not accepting a greeting or leaving a hand hanging in the air is not something in my nature anyway. It's not the right thing to do."
Thus, Özel emphasized that the handshake at the ceremony carried no political meaning and took place within the bounds of courtesy.
"THERE IS NO ROOM LEFT IN MY HEART EVEN FOR THE HEAD OF A PIN"
Clearly expressing that his resentment towards Kılıçdaroğlu continues, Özel said, "But apart from that, in my emotional world, there is no room left for Mr. Kemal, not even the size of a pinhead."
"I WILL NEVER FORGIVE FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE"
Özel further hardened his words towards Kılıçdaroğlu, stating he would not forgive what happened: "I can easily forgive what was done to me, but what was done to my honor, my dignity, and this country, neither I nor my friends will ever forgive."
Özel's statements revealed that the handshake at the Judicial Year opening did not signify an end to the political tension between the two figures.
COLD WINDS HAD BLOWN BEFORE
The two figures had come face to face at the funeral ceremony held in the Turkish Grand National Assembly for 22nd Term Balıkesir Deputy Orhan Sür, following the absolute nullity decision of the Ankara Regional Court of Justice 36th Civil Chamber, and their distant attitude had drawn attention.
Shortly after, the duo came together at the funeral ceremony of Olcay Baykal, the wife of former CHP Chairman Deniz Baykal, and this time they shook hands at the Judicial Year opening. Özel's latest statement showed that despite the handshake, his resentment towards Kılıçdaroğlu persists.