CHP's Remzi Kazmaz calls for meritocracy and justice, criticizing silence for political gain
Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
Opinion
Named sources
Context piece
- CHP official Remzi Kazmaz criticizes a recent "absolute nullity" decision, stating it severely tests Turkey's law, democracy, and conscience.
- Kazmaz contrasts those who remain silent for personal gain with those who speak out for the nation, and those who compromise principles with those who defend public honor.
- He argues that societal decay begins with language, then morality, law, and institutions, ultimately leading to the normalization of injustice.
Remzi Kazmaz, an elected member of the Republican People's Party's (CHP) High Disciplinary Board, has issued a strong critique of a recent "absolute nullity" decision, asserting that it places Turkey's legal system, democratic principles, and societal conscience under severe strain. Kazmaz declared that "honor is not sold, principles cannot be bargained over," highlighting his stance against compromises that undermine integrity.
On one side are those who remain silent for a seat, and on the other are those who speak for the country. On one side are those who bow for their own interests, and on the other are those who stand tall to protect the honor of the people.
In a written statement, Kazmaz characterized people's core values by their reactions to injustice. He observed that societies facing critical junctures often divide into two distinct camps: "On one side are those who remain silent for a seat, and on the other are those who speak for the country." He further elaborated, "On one side are those who bow for their own interests, and on the other are those who stand tall to protect the honor of the people."
Societies do not decay overnight. First the language decays, then morality, law, and institutions. Finally, the human being decays. When the human being decays, injustice becomes normalized, and unfairness becomes a part of daily life.
Kazmaz contends that the root of Turkey's problems lies in moral and institutional erosion. "Societies do not decay overnight," he stated. "First the language decays, then morality, law, and institutions. Finally, the human being decays. When the human being decays, injustice becomes normalized, and unfairness becomes a part of daily life." He lamented that the rule of law has been supplanted by the rule of power, and loyalty has taken precedence over meritocracy, exacerbating economic and social issues faced by pensioners, youth, farmers, and workers.
History has never honored those who sided with oppression.
Kazmaz concluded by emphasizing that remaining silent in the face of these challenges is not merely a political choice but a moral one. Recalling historical struggles for truth and justice, he noted, "When some were silent, others spoke; when some bowed, others resisted. History has never honored those who sided with oppression." He pledged to continue striving for a nation where courage triumphs over fear, principles over self-interest, and truth over silence.
We will continue to fight with the goal of a country where courage prevails over fear, principles over self-interest, and truth over silence.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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