CHP Leaders Discuss Democracy Concerns During Holiday Greetings with Other Parties

The Republican People's Party (CHP), led by its newly elected Chairman Özgür Özel, is engaging in holiday greetings with 14 political parties. Within the Grand National Assembly, CHP Deputy Group Chair Murat Emir and Deputy Chairman Serkan Özcan are hosting delegations from various parties.

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Unfortunately, we cannot celebrate this holiday as a holiday in Turkey. We want to have peaceful, healthy, and prosperous days in our country at all times. But we have entered a very dark holiday for Turkish democracy and the multi-party political regime in Turkey.

Murat Emir of the CHP voiced strong concerns about the current state of Turkish democracy, stating that the holiday is being celebrated under dark circumstances. He warned that if the current political climate is accepted, it could extinguish the hope for any party to become the leading political force. Emir suggested that the judiciary, influenced by the political power, could be used to dismantle the institutional existence of political parties, particularly those perceived as threats.

"This will be a clear indication of how democracy has been ended in Turkey, and if it cannot be intervened, we can no longer talk about a multi-party political regime," Emir stated, characterizing the situation as a blow to democracy that is unacceptable to millions. He stressed the need for intervention to prevent further erosion of democratic principles.

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If what is being done is to be tolerated in some way and the resistance of millions is broken, it will end the feeling in the heart of our citizens that 'one day my party will be the first party'.

DEVA Party's Istanbul Deputy Medeni Yılmaz echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the shared aspiration for a democratic system in Turkey. He highlighted that DEVA's founding principles are democracy, justice, and law, asserting that true democracy cannot be established where law and justice are absent. Yılmaz called for a collective effort to establish democracy, urging for calm and strategic action. He identified law as the common denominator uniting different political parties in their pursuit of democratic ideals.

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This will obviously be a clear indication of how democracy has been ended in Turkey, and if it cannot be intervened, we can no longer talk about a multi-party political regime.

Elif Esen of the DEVA Party added that holidays are meant to be days of unity and peace. She expressed a heartfelt wish for the current holiday to foster unity and bring peace to the country. Esen reiterated DEVA Party's commitment to justice and democracy, underscoring their significance.

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Of course, our desire is common. It is the establishment of a democratic system in Turkey with all its rules and institutions. What we emphasize in our founding purpose is democracy, justice, and law.