Opposition Party Leader in Turkey: Current Situation Reminiscent of a Civil Coup
CHP leader Özgür Özel, referring to the detention of Istanbul Mayor and prominent opposition figure Ekrem İmamoğlu, stated that the country is facing a situation resembling a civil coup.
Özel said that the recent operations targeting the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and İmamoğlu’s detention demonstrate an attempt to disregard the results of the local elections.
Addressing international participants, he remarked, “The people of Istanbul clearly expressed their will in the recent election, but today we are witnessing the violation of that will.”
Reviewing his party’s history, the CHP leader emphasized that the party has always adhered to democratic methods.
“Even in the most difficult times, we never resorted to illegal means to change the situation. But now we see that the response to electoral defeat has been the restriction of democratic rights,” he added.
In another part of the meeting, Özel touched on international issues, including regional crises, and called for greater cooperation among democratic forces globally.
He expressed appreciation for the support shown to İmamoğlu by some European local officials, stating that such solidarity is crucial for upholding democratic principles.
This speech came amid rising political tensions in Turkey following the recent local elections. Analysts note that the widespread detention of critical officials and restrictions imposed on local institutions have become the subject of heated political debates in the country.
