01.05.2026 17:01
CHP Chairman Özgür Özel attended the celebrations held in Kadıköy for May Day, also known as Labor and Solidarity Day. Speaking at the square where thousands of workers, union representatives, and civil society members gathered, Özel strongly criticized the ban on Taksim Square, emphasizing that next year, on the 50th anniversary of the "Bloody May Day," the celebrations should be held at Taksim Square. Özel stated that May Day will become a true holiday with no squares forbidden.
Republican People's Party Chairman Özgür Özel attended the celebrations held in Kadıköy for May 1 Labor and Solidarity Day.
THOUSANDS GATHERED
Kadıköy Square filled with thousands of participants from early morning hours as part of May 1 Labor and Solidarity Day. Numerous unions, professional organizations, and non-governmental organizations, led by DİSK, KESK, TMMOB, and TTB, entered the area accompanied by processions. Participants drew attention to economic conditions, working life, and rights demands with the banners they carried and the slogans they chanted.
In addition to Özgür Özel, CHP Istanbul Provincial Chairman Özgür Çelik, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan, and Üsküdar Mayor Sinem Dedetaş also attended the celebrations.
ÖZGÜR ÖZEL: “WE SALUTE THE WORKING CLASS OF TÜRKİYE”
Speaking to the press at the square, Özgür Özel began his remarks by greeting the media workers on duty on May 1. Stating that they are addressing workers across Türkiye from Kadıköy, Özel emphasized that despite separate celebrations organized by different unions and confederations in various cities, the working class is united in a common struggle.
Reminding that they visited Türk-İş during the week, Özel said that the planned meeting with HAK-İŞ was postponed due to a funeral program and will take place in the coming days.
TAKSİM EMPHASIS: “THIS IS NOT A DEMAND, BUT DETERMINATION”
In the most striking part of his speech, Özel delivered a message about Taksim Square, noting that 2026 will mark the 50th anniversary of the “Bloody May 1.” Stating that Taksim should no longer be banned, Özel said, “This is not a demand, but determination,” emphasizing that next year's celebrations should be held at Taksim.
Özel also recalled the process of May 1 being declared a public holiday in the past and Taksim being opened for celebrations for a period, criticizing that these decisions were swiftly reversed.
“MAY 1 WILL BE A TRUE HOLIDAY”
Stating that under CHP governance, May 1 will be celebrated in a manner befitting its meaning, Özel said that workers will achieve better wages and living conditions. Noting that all obstacles to union organizing will be removed, Özel expressed that a system will be established where anyone who wishes can become a union member, and the rights to strike and collective bargaining will be guaranteed.
Özel added that May 1 will be celebrated in a free environment with no square being banned.
“WE ARE APPROACHING BETTER DAYS FOR WORKERS”
Continuing his criticism of the current government at the end of his speech, Özel argued that workers' rights are not adequately protected and there are obstacles to organizing. However, emphasizing that the struggle continues despite all difficulties, Özel said, “We are approaching a better Türkiye every day.”
Özel concluded his remarks by wishing all workers in Türkiye a happy May 1.