Rallying frequently since the arrest of CHP’s presidential candidate and Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu in March, CHP Chair Özgür Özel has continued directing sharp criticism at President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in each major political debate.
Özel criticized Erdoğan’s stance on a possible parliamentary visit to PKK’s imprisoned leader Abdullah Öcalan, saying the president was shifting political responsibility to the MHP while preparing to benefit from the outcome. Prior to Erdoğan signaling support for the visit, Özel said Erdoğan was allowing the MHP to “test the depth of the river” while staying outside the risk himself. “He expects to benefit from a resolution while remaining completely detached.”
Drawing on past negotiations, he added: “In the Oslo talks, the state took the responsibility while the AKP claimed the credit for building highways. That comfortable space is over. He will have to take responsibility.”
Özel said Erdoğan’s posture amounts to avoiding political risk. “He is saying, ‘Let them drown while we stay dry.’ He wants everyone else to speak while he stays silent, then discuss everything behind closed doors.”
WILL ÖZEL CONTEST ERDOĞAN IN ELECTIONS?
At his 71st rally in Istanbul’s Sultanbeyli district, Özel again called for early elections and, for the first time, voiced readiness to face Erdoğan at the ballot box.
“I am ready to engage in political struggle with you from now on,” he said, despite previously insisting he would not seek the presidency.
His remarks fueled speculation that he may become a candidate if a last-minute court ruling prevents İmamoğlu from running, as Istanbul’s mayor faces numerous ongoing cases.
Özel said he would challenge Erdoğan if the president apologized to those prosecuted in the Istanbul Municipality case. Accusing Erdoğan of supporting what he described as an “AK Toros gang” within the judiciary, Özel vowed to resist attempts to undermine the CHP.
CALLS WITHIN CHP FOR ÖZEL TO TAKE ACTION
Özel also faces internal pressure. A group of dissident CHP MPs sent him a letter urging firm action regarding corruption allegations aimed at party members.
Pro-government TGRT Haber reported that 20 MPs signed the letter, while Cumhuriyet reported 10. There were no signatures in the letter.
The letter outlined three demands: filing a defamation suit against Aziz İhsan Aktaş, who alleged CHP members paid bribes; launching disciplinary action against members targeted by defamation to clarify accusations and possibly forming a committee for this; cutting ties with informants who remain within the party.
DISCUSSIONS ON LIVE BROADCASTING
MHP Chair Devlet Bahçeli renewed support for broadcasting the Istanbul Municipality corruption trial live on TRT, and Özel responded by urging Parliament to pass the necessary legislation immediately.
Bahçeli said the hearings should be aired “on all channels, starting with TRT,” arguing that public monitoring would strengthen legal and democratic transparency.
Özel echoed the call, reminding that the CHP had submitted a bill on May 9 for the trial to be made public. “Let’s pass this law this week,” he said.
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç responded that Article 183 currently prohibits video recording in courtrooms, and any change would require parliamentary action.
