CHP Leader Özgür Özel: “A Person Saying ‘I Don’t Run Away, I Make Those Who Try Regret It’ Is a Source of Trouble”

CHP Leader Özgür Özel: “Turkey’s Politics Are Under Threat”

Özgür Özel made striking remarks during his party’s parliamentary group meeting in the Turkish Grand National Assembly, addressing a wide range of issues including the economy, judicial processes, municipal investigations, and political pressure allegations.

Özel emphasized that political life in Turkey is being pushed under pressure and intimidation, stating:

“I do not know Turkish politics, AK Party politics, or Erdoğan’s situation, but his family is under threat. A person saying ‘I don’t run away, I make those who try regret it’ is a source of trouble.”

His remarks quickly became one of the most discussed political statements of the day.

“This Party Does Not Belong to Those Who Give In”

Özel devoted a significant portion of his speech to allegations of pressure against the CHP, stressing that the party will not step back under intimidation.

Highlighting the party’s historical struggle, he said:

“This party does not belong to those who give in to threats. Our march to power began by walking over bayonets. Those who remain can stay behind; we are marching to power.”

The statement was met with strong applause from CHP deputies.

Economic Crisis Message: “Two Pensioners Cannot Even Buy One Sacrificial Animal”

Addressing Turkey’s deepening economic crisis, Özel pointed to the hardship faced by pensioners and low-income citizens.

He noted that during the early years of the ruling party, a pension could buy one and a half sacrificial sheep, but today the situation has drastically changed.

Özel stated:

“Today, even if two pensioners come together, they cannot buy a single sacrificial animal.”

He also claimed that food inflation in Turkey is 17 times the global average.

“Young People Can No Longer Afford a Home or Car”

Özel highlighted the economic struggles of younger generations, arguing that for the first time, children are becoming poorer than their parents.

He stated that owning a home or car through personal income has become nearly impossible:

“Everyone’s children are taller and more educated, but for the first time, they are poorer than their parents.”

Criticism of Mobile Phone Taxes

Referring to a CHP campaign website, Özel criticized Turkey’s tax burden using mobile phone prices as an example.

He said a phone that costs around 65,000 lira abroad reaches 133,000 lira in Turkey due to taxes.

“A phone costs 65,000 lira, but with taxes it becomes 133,000 lira. Remove the AK Party, and you get the original price.”

He also criticized the blocking of the website, arguing that tax criticism is being treated as a national security issue.

Judicial Investigations and Municipal Cases

Özel strongly criticized ongoing investigations into opposition-run municipalities, claiming they are politically motivated.

He specifically mentioned İstanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and Antalya Metropolitan Mayor Muhittin Böcek, arguing that legal processes are being used as political tools.

He also described certain media content and online platforms as part of a “character assassination system.”

“The Dark System of the AK Party”

Özel accused the government of building a “dark system” involving taxation inequality, economic hardship, and corruption allegations.

He argued that workers carry the tax burden while financial loopholes benefit organized crime networks under legal structures such as asset amnesty programs.

Defense Industry and Military Hospitals

Referring to his visit to the SAHA 2026 Defense, Aviation and Space Industry Fair, Özel said Turkey’s defense industry achievements belong to the entire nation.

However, he also emphasized concerns raised by retired military personnel regarding the closure of military hospitals:

“There are no doctors trained in battlefield surgery anymore. Military hospitals must be reopened.”

“We Held One of the Largest Rallies in Rize”

Özel also referred to a large rally held in Rize, the hometown of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, claiming it demonstrated public demand for political change.

“A Change of Government Is Approaching”

Reaffirming CHP’s political ambitions, Özel emphasized electoral success and rising public support.

He concluded that the party remains the leading political force in Turkey following recent local elections.

Kaynak: CHP Parliamentary Group Meeting Speech – May 12, 2026