21.02.2026 17:40
CHP Chairman Özgür Özel stated that he has received documents regarding the privatization of the July 15 Martyrs Bridge, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, and some toll highways. Addressing President Erdoğan, Özel said, "I will not allow the property of this nation to be sold in this way."
CHP Chairman Özgür Özel held the 91st "Defending the Will of the Nation" rally in Kocaeli. Özel raised a striking claim regarding the privatization of the July 15 Martyrs Bridge, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, and some toll highways. Özel claimed that he had documents related to the issue.
"I RECEIVED TWO DOCUMENTS"
CHP leader Özel stated: "Yesterday, we received two documents. One of them was written 4 months ago, on November 17, 2025; it was addressed to the General Directorate of Highways of the Ministry of Transport: 'If you privatize some of the highways, the previous leases and allocations will automatically be canceled.'
It says: 'You allocated to someone on your route, you made a lease on the highway; I will privatize these soon, and they will automatically be canceled. Be aware of this, if you make a lease, write this in the contract.'
"I WILL NOT ALLOW THE NATION'S PROPERTY TO BE SOLD IN THIS WAY"
On November 19, another letter was sent regarding the bridges: 'A foreign consulting firm will come, they will conduct an examination on the two Bosphorus bridges and the highways; assist them,' it says. Once again, I ask from Kocaeli, on this blessed day of Ramadan, I ask Mr. Erdoğan: Whether you answer at iftar or tomorrow at noon, but answer this: Have you decided to give these two bridges, the 25-year income of seven highways, in exchange for a 5-year rent; to sell the nation's golden egg-laying hen to foreigners or not? I express from here: I will not allow the nation's property to be sold in this way, I will not allow it, I will not allow it!"