Özgür Özel, the parliamentary group leader of Türkiye’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), has officially announced his candidacy for the position of CHP Chairman.
During a press conference held at the party’s headquarters, Özel emphasized that bringing change to the CHP is a prerequisite for enacting change in the nation.
He stated, “I declare my candidacy for CHP,” and stressed the importance of not allowing the country to reach its centennial year with deep despair, calling on everyone to work together towards this goal.
The 48-year-old politician argued that the party currently lacks a robust social democratic stance and a clear political vision.
Özel and his supporters, including Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, are aiming to unseat the incumbent CHP leader, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, following his unsuccessful bid to defeat President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the May elections.
“If the CHP undergoes a transformation, Türkiye will follow suit. I extend my best wishes for success to Özgür Özel and his fellow advocates who have embarked on this journey to transform Türkiye,” Imamoğlu said on his X account.
CHP değişirse Türkiye değişir.
Türkiye’nin değişimi için yola çıkan Özgür Özel’e ve yol arkadaşlarına başarılar diliyorum.#DeğişiminYüzyılı #YüzyılınDeğişimi #ÖzgürÖzel #CHP @eczozgurozel
— Ekrem İmamoğlu (@ekrem_imamoglu) September 15, 2023
By Breaking News Turkey