18.12.2025 19:10
The leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP), Özgür Özel, who attended the European Socialist Party Leaders Meeting held in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, criticized the President of the European Council, António Costa. Özel stated, "He is someone I personally admire, but it is unacceptable that he only gives an opening speech on such an important agenda and leaves, and that we do not even have the opportunity to meet with him one-on-one for 5 minutes."
CHP Chairman Özgür Özel attended the European Socialist Party (PES) Leaders Meeting held in Brussels, the capital of Belgium.
"SOMEONE I PERSONALLY ADMIRE, BUT..."
Özel stated at the beginning of his speech that it was unacceptable for European Council President António Costa to only give the opening speech and leave the program. Özel said regarding the issue, "He is someone I personally admire, but it is unacceptable for him to only give the opening speech and leave on such an important agenda, and for us not to have even 5 minutes to meet with him one-on-one."
"WE CANNOT ACCEPT THIS"
Özel also expressed his discontent towards UK Prime Minister and Labour Party leader Keir Starmer, stating, "The British Labour Party is showing more solidarity with Erdoğan than Erdoğan expected today. We cannot accept this."
"IF YOU SUPPORT OTHER AUTHORITARIANS; YOU WILL LEAVE THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY WITH THE MOST MAYORS IN THE WORLD ALONE"
Recalling that some CHP mayors are detained due to investigations against them, Özel reported that they held rallies in 75 provinces. Özel stated that he understands Europe's concerns regarding defense and security, expressing his heartfelt support for what Turkey needs to do in this regard.
Emphasizing the importance of democracy in the fight against the problems created by authoritarians, Özel noted: "While fighting against some authoritarians, if you support other authoritarians; you will leave the social democratic party with the most mayorships in the world, which has become the first party in its country and will create a new wind for all of Europe and the left, alone. The management of PES has shown tremendous solidarity at all levels. I wonder how much the countries and parties that make up PES value and contribute to this solidarity."
"MAKE THE RIGHT CALCULATIONS"
Özel argued that if there is democracy in a country, there can be stability and good relations, while in the absence of democracy, vested interests will be promised. He pointed out that this would open the door to a new instability in the future, continuing his remarks: "Will there be a democratic Turkey at the border of the European Union (EU), and will social democrats, your sister party, be in power in that Turkey? Or will you allow your sister party to be crushed by an authoritarian while being so close to success at your border, and will that authoritarian continue, and you will have stable relations with him? Everyone needs to make the right calculations. For the security of Europe, there is a need for a democratic and strong Turkey, for this Turkey to become a full member of the EU, and for the nightmare seen next to Europe for the last 25 years to end."
Source: AA