CHP youth react to dinosaur-themed remarks: 'Spokesperson for the ruling mentality'

Youth members of the Republican People's Party (CHP) in Izmir, Turkey, have voiced strong opposition to recent comments made by a party official that appeared to dismiss the importance of young people in politics. The Izmir Youth Branch Chairman, Efe Orbay Tekün, along with the new executive board, held a press conference to express their discontent.

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Today we are not just here to make a statement; we are here to protect the will of the youth, their labor, and the Republican People's Party's determination for change. The statement 'Politics is not for children,' which has recently been reflected in the public opinion, is not just an unfortunate word spoken to the youth.

Tekün, holding a dinosaur toy, directly addressed the controversial statement, "Politics is not for children," attributed to Rıfat Nalbantoğlu, who was appointed to the CHP General Secretary position. Tekün stated, "Today we are not just here to make a statement; we are here to protect the will of the youth, their labor, and the Republican People's Party's determination for change." He characterized the remarks as unfortunate and reflective of a political mindset that has long kept youth waiting, ignored their contributions, belittled the organization's will, and resisted change.

"The fact that this statement, which steals the future of the youth and leads them to despair, was made by a member of parliament in Atatürk's party – the party that entrusted the country to the youth – reveals how much the 'absolute nullity' mentality acts as a spokesperson for the ruling power," Tekün declared. He asserted that they do not accept this approach.

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This statement, which steals the future of the youth and leads them to despair, was made by a member of parliament in Atatürk's party – the party that entrusted the country to the youth – reveals how much the 'absolute nullity' mentality acts as a spokesperson for the ruling power. We do not accept this approach.

Tekün highlighted the historical significance of youth in the CHP's struggle, recalling that young people were instrumental in the founding of the Republic and the War of Independence. He invoked figures like Deniz Gezmiş and Berkin Elvan, emphasizing that youth have always been the common denominator for those who hope for a brighter future, pay the price, dream, and struggle for the country. "Every word that belittles youth is not just a word spoken to today's youth; it is a word spoken to the struggle history of this country," he added.

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Every word that belittles youth is not just a word spoken to today's youth; it is a word spoken to the struggle history of this country. Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, 'All my hope is in the youth,' he wasn't making a courtesy sentence. He was entrusting the future of the Republic to the youth, entrusting the country's tomorrows to their courage.

Referencing Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's famous quote, "All my hope is in the youth," Tekün stressed that Atatürk was not merely being polite but was entrusting the Republic's future to the youth. The current youth leadership sees themselves as "unwavering defenders of that trust," actively participating in election campaigns, working at polling stations, engaging with citizens, and carrying the CHP's banner. They assert their presence is not a favor but a result of their organization's will, hard work, and struggle.

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We are the unwavering defenders of that trust. We are the youth who hang posters during election periods, who stay up all night at the ballot box, who go door to door, who listen to the people's troubles, and who carry the CHP's flag in the squares. We are here not by anyone's favor; but by the will of our organization, by our sweat, and by our struggle.