Özgür Özel, who is among the candidates for the CHP presidency after the elections on May 14 and 28, said, “If there will be change and transformation in the CHP, it will be by uniting, not by separating. We will not divide the change into fronts. We envision a change that will even include those who object to change.”.
Stating that “we have a common dream” with Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, CHP's Özel said, “We have a common dream with İmamoğlu, if I take office in CHP, I will work in harmony with İmamoğlu.”.
Here are the highlights of Sözcü daily columnist İsmail Saymaz's interview with CHP Group Chairman Özgür Özel...
- Imamoglu has turned his attention to IBB. What do you think?
“It was a decision I expected. Istanbulites are the most pleased. The Istanbul Alliance is the best example of a successful alliance against the AKP. Only Imamoğlu could sustain this alliance. Saying “Whoever wins Istanbul wins Turkey” is an important claim for the future. It is a valuable decision for the future of both Istanbul and Turkey. Ekrem Mayor made three decisions at once. The right decision for himself, Istanbul and Turkey.”
- Rumor has it that he wants to run for president in 2028
“In terms of that goal, I think winning Istanbul once again will be the most important milestone. When Istanbul is won, Imamoğlu will have his fourth consecutive victory against the AKP. He will have won Istanbul three times. And we will ask: “How many times does Imamoğlu have to beat you?”
- “CHP has sons who know its history and have a clean record,” Imamoğlu said for you
“I am very pleased. It is important and valuable not only for me but also for many young friends who are not mentioned in the CHP.
I told you that I could assume responsibility for the presidency. We are in a process where our names are mentioned. I haven't announced my candidacy yet, but as one of the most mentioned names, I find the president's response polite.”
- When will you announce your candidacy?
“Our organization is currently busy with district congresses. The party's tension beats there. In this critical process, we are trying to do the right things without leaving the party in a difficult situation in the public opinion, by showing our general president the value he deserves, and without shirking the responsibility imposed by history. The process will accelerate a little more.
Those who hope for change, those who are resentful of the party, those who express their anger and those who say they will not go to the polls if there is no change are waiting to see if something will change. No one should despair, we will do our part.”
- Are you acting together with İmamoğlu? Is your relationship similar to the relationship between Erdoğan and Gül?
“Such analogies give me goosebumps. It makes me want to drop everything and run away. These are the last two names I would want to be compared to.
But we have similar concerns and hopes with İmamoğlu. Not only with Mr. Ekrem, we have similar feelings with four out of five CHP members.
If there is to be change and transformation in the CHP, it will not be by separating, but by uniting. We will not divide the change into fronts. We envision a change that will even include those who object to change.”
- Are you Imamoğlu's trustee candidate?
“There is not the slightest conversation between İmamoğlu and me such as “I will stand until this day, you stand after this day”. I reject this. However, İmamoğlu and I have a common dream. If I take office in CHP, I know that I will work in harmony with İmamoğlu.
The presidency of the CHP is something that was entrusted to Atatürk. It is one thing to be in harmony with İmamoğlu in the process of his winning Istanbul and then winning Turkey. It is another to hold this post for a while and then hand it over... The trust belongs to Atatürk. Mr. Kemal has it now. If we are given the chance one day, we will feel the responsibility towards Atatürk.”