Özgür Özel appears live for the first time with the YENİ Party badge: 'Bahçeli' comment on 'extra' scandal

Özgür Özel, the newly elected General Chairman of the YENİ Party, made his first public appearance with the party's badge on a live broadcast, addressing recent political controversies and outlining his party's vision.

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The targeting of our young reporter friend is unacceptable.

Speaking on Halk TV, Özel condemned the targeting of a young journalist who reported on the use of "extras" at a recent CHP event in Sarıyer. "The targeting of our young reporter friend is unacceptable," Özel stated. He also aligned himself with MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli's comment that "halls filled without touching hearts have no value," suggesting a shared critique of superficial political gatherings.

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Halls filled without touching hearts have no value.

Özel emphasized the inclusive political strategy that propelled the Republican People's Party (CHP) to victory on March 31. He described this approach as one that aims for equal representation, particularly for women, and actively creates space for young people. "This is an approach that opens space for young people; not just saying 'doors are open, come young people,' but rather saying, 'Come, let's discuss politics together, let's design it, let's realize it together,'" he explained.

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This is an approach that opens space for young people; not just saying 'doors are open, come young people,' but rather saying, 'Come, let's discuss politics together, let's design it, let's realize it together.'

He affirmed that the YENİ Party will uphold this same inclusive philosophy, aiming to empower youth and foster collaborative political engagement. The party's ultimate goal, Özel stressed, is to achieve single-party governance. Regarding potential legal challenges to the CHP's leadership appointment, Özel indicated a determined path forward, stating, "You can't proceed in politics without burning bridges. The YENİ Party must continue its march. We must march towards power without looking back."

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You can't proceed in politics without burning bridges. The YENİ Party must continue its march. We must march towards power without looking back.