11.07.2026 01:00
CHP Group Chairman Özgür Özel gave a harsh response to criticisms of a new party during a program he attended. Emphasizing determination, Özel said, "Where patience runs out, we will establish a new party and become the leading party. They can trust us." Stating that 80% of survey participants want a new formation and that the wave of change on the streets cannot be stopped, Özel also announced that they are preparing for a snap election.
CHP Group Chair Özgür Özel made striking statements about the agenda in a YouTube program he attended. Responding directly to criticisms that the process of forming a new party has been delayed, Özel gave a message of determination to voters and supporters closely following the process, saying, "Let them trust us."
"NO ONE SHOULD BE AFRAID OF THE DELAY"
Evaluating the allegations of a new formation and criticisms regarding the timeline, Özgür Özel stated that they are aware of the expectations on the street and used the following expressions:
"No one should be afraid of the delay. Either we will turn the result of our patience into a party, or where patience overflows, we will establish the new party and become the first party again. Let them trust us at that point."
"WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF SEARCHING FOR THE NEW"
Referring to the limits of the legal and political struggle within the CHP, Özel said that if staying in the party reaches a point where it causes losses for Turkey and those who have hope in them, a crossroads becomes inevitable. Saying, "We are in the process of searching for the new," Özel stated that they have already started some background preparations, including transforming an existing party against the possibility of a snap election.
"THERE IS A RAGING CURRENT ON THE STREET"
Emphasizing that public opinion polls indicate 80% of citizens demand a new formation, Özel continued his words as follows:
"There is a raging current on the street. I can no longer stand in front of that current. That current instills courage and determination in us. It is my duty to unite the feelings of thousands and tens of thousands. Both fighting with enough patience and acting without too much delay are the street's expectations. The balance point of this is important."
İMAMOĞLU CASE AND REACTION TO RIGHT TO DEFENSE
In his speech, Özgür Özel also touched upon the judicial process against Ekrem İmamoğlu, expressing his reaction to the restriction of the right to defense. Recalling that in the DİSK case during the Kenan Evren period, executives were able to defend themselves for days, Özel said, "The Kenan Evren judiciary did not withhold the right to defense, but the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan judiciary is withholding it from Ekrem İmamoğlu. Let him defend himself."
Özel added that regarding the presidential candidacy, he is not in pursuit of personal ambition and will unconditionally support the most suitable candidate who is certain to win in the polls, stating that their priority is to save the regime and return Turkey to democracy.