CHP Leader Özgür Özel in Parliament: “Legitimacy Comes from the People, Sovereignty Belongs Unconditionally to the Nation”

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel delivered a strong speech in the Turkish Parliament on April 23, criticizing democracy, justice, and governance while emphasizing national sovereignty.

CHP Leader Özgür Özel in Parliament: “Legitimacy Comes from the People, Sovereignty Belongs Unconditionally to the Nation”
Liberal TR Haber Merkezi
Publish: 23.04.2026
A+
A-

Republican People’s Party (CHP) Chairman Özgür Özel addressed the special session held in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) on the occasion of April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day and the 106th anniversary of the Parliament.

In his speech, Özel emphasized democracy, justice, and national sovereignty, directing strong criticism toward the government. He opened his remarks with the statement, “Legitimacy comes from the people, and sovereignty belongs unconditionally to the nation.”

Özel argued that democratic institutions and the rule of law in Türkiye are under serious pressure. He also stated that national sovereignty and children are not fully secure in the current system.

Highlighting social and economic inequalities, Özel said child poverty in Türkiye has reached critical levels. He noted that unequal access to education forces disadvantaged children to start life behind their peers.

He also addressed labor rights and judicial issues, criticizing what he described as the politicization of the judiciary and politically motivated detentions. “The authority to detain cannot be handed to another politician,” he said.

Referring to ongoing political and legal controversies in several cities including Istanbul and Hatay, Özel criticized the detention of elected officials and opposition figures.

He warned against interference in Parliament and democratic institutions, asking, “If those who try to burn down this party succeed, how will we prevent Parliament and democracy from turning to ashes?”

Concluding his remarks, Özel stressed that the ballot box is the only legitimate source of political authority. He reiterated that “legitimacy comes from the people” and called for strengthening democratic governance in Türkiye.

Kaynak: Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) April 23 Special Session – CHP Chairman Özgür Özel speech

, , ,
Liberal TR Haber Merkezi
Liberal TR Haber Merkezi
A digital news platform delivering developments in Türkiye and the world to its readers with an objective and principled perspective. Liberal TR Haber Merkezi.
Leave a Comment


Comments - 0 Comment

No comments yet.