22.05.2026 06:20
Following the appeal ruling regarding the CHP congress, Victory Party Chairman Ümit Özdağ interrupted his Antalya program and arrived at CHP headquarters late at night. After meeting with CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, Özdağ stated that democracy in Turkey is experiencing a severe crisis. Arguing that the government is trying to suppress the opposition by using the law, Özdağ expressed support for CHP. Özgür Özel described the visit as "historic solidarity."
Following the appellate court's decision regarding the CHP congress, Victory Party Chairman Ümit Özdağ, who came to the CHP headquarters, met with CHP Chairman Özgür Özel. Speaking after the meeting, Özdağ said, "We were witnessing democracy going through a severe crisis. Today, this crisis has peaked."
Özdağ, who cut short his 6-day program in Antalya after the appellate court's absolute nullity ruling on the CHP Congress, returned to Ankara. Arriving at the CHP headquarters around 02:00, Özdağ met with Özgür Özel. A press statement was made following the leaders' meeting.
CHP IS EXPERIENCING ONE OF ITS HISTORIC DAYS
Özgür Özel stated that one of the most critical days in Turkish political history was unfolding, saying, "It is not an ordinary situation for a political party chairman to visit another political party at 02:15 AM and then issue a joint statement. The esteemed Chairman cut short his busy schedule in Antalya as soon as he received the news and returned. This solidarity visit is extremely valuable both for the Republican People's Party and for Turkish democracy."
"THE DEMOCRACY CRISIS HAS PEAKED"
Ümit Özdağ, arguing that democracy in Turkey is going through a severe crisis, said, "Today, this crisis has peaked. It feels like an atmosphere is being created as if all political parties should be shut down and only one party should enter the elections. We see that the government is developing operations to eliminate the opposition by using the law. Candidates are being arrested, and political parties are being divided and pressured."
"THE GOVERNMENT MUST FIRST OBEY THE LAW"
Claiming that the government does not implement Constitutional Court decisions, Özdağ stated, "If respect for the law is demanded, the government must first comply with Constitutional Court rulings. While the decisions of the Supreme Election Council are clear, any court interfering in politics in such a manner is not an easily acceptable situation in a democratic state of law."
"THE TURKISH PEOPLE ARE A PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE IN DEMOCRACY"
Özdağ, stating that as the Victory Party they stand by the CHP in the struggle for democracy and law, said, "If they do this today, what else might they do tomorrow? But Turkey will not become North Korea, Turkey will not become Russia. The Turkish people are a people who believe in democracy. In this difficult process, we are here at this hour to show our support to the esteemed Chairman and the members of the Republican People's Party."