CHP Leader Özel Vows to End Party's Losing Streak in Gaziantep Rally
Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel rallied supporters in Gaziantep, vowing to prevent the party from losing again.
- Özel emphasized that the party's leadership must be elected, not appointed, and pledged to work with the people.
- He stated that if the party faces existential threats, he will fight to prevent its downfall, aiming to lead CHP to victory and seize power.
Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel addressed a large gathering in Gaziantep, declaring an end to the party's losing streak. "We have left defeats behind us; we have no tolerance for losing again," Özel proclaimed, emphasizing that the party's future lies in winning and marching towards power.
We have left defeats behind us; we have no tolerance for losing again.
During his address, Özel stressed the principle that the CHP, the party that founded the republic and introduced elections, must be governed by its elected officials, not by appointees. He vowed to work collaboratively with the party members and the public, ensuring decisions are made with their consent and without causing distress. "What is essential is the Republican People's Party. What is essential is that the Republican People's Party is led by elected officials, not by appointees," he stated.
What is essential is the Republican People's Party. What is essential is that the Republican People's Party is led by elected officials, not by appointees.
Özel also addressed internal party dynamics, distinguishing between long-term members who have dedicated their lives to the party and those seeking appointed positions without popular legitimacy. He asserted his commitment to fighting for the party's core values. "We are the essence of the Republican People's Party, we are the Republican People's Party itself, and we will fight within the Republican People's Party until the end," he declared.
We are the essence of the Republican People's Party, we are the Republican People's Party itself, and we will fight within the Republican People's Party until the end.
Looking ahead, Özel outlined a clear objective: to win. He promised to engage with various segments of society in Gaziantep, including pistachio farmers and industrialists, to understand their needs and build a path toward victory. "We are the winning CHP. We are the CHP marching towards power, and we will walk with those who will win with you, not with those who lost and will cause losses," he concluded, signaling a determined push for electoral success.
We are the winning CHP. We are the CHP marching towards power, and we will walk with those who will win with you, not with those who lost and will cause losses.
Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.