Not since World War II has the world been dragged into such a state of uncertainty and tension. Even the Cold War years are insufficient to explain today's multi-layered crisis. The situation we find ourselves in today resembles an uncontrolled stubble fire: The wind direction is uncertain, the chances of it spreading are high and the consequences are unpredictable.
Interior Facade is a Must
Therefore, the “home front arbitration” that the government spokespersons often emphasize is not a choice but a necessity for Turkey. But the real question is this: Is this arbitration possible without the CHP? The answer is clear: No.
Starting with the May 2023 elections, the unrest within the CHP turned into a fracture with the November 3 congress and evolved into a more complex process after the 2024 local elections. The operations against municipalities accelerated this process.
The government's discourse of “fortification of the internal front” on the one hand, and on the other hand, its approach encircling the CHP through the municipalities on the one hand, does not produce fortification, but on the contrary, dissolution.
No one is against judicial processes. However, the objection is to the method, not the result. Indeed, in the laconic expression of Mecelle: “The method is prior to the essence.”
So, what is the CHP doing? Is it strengthening its internal front?
Unfortunately, today the CHP is struggling not only with external pressures but also with internal disorganization. However, the CHP is an institutional structure with rules and boards.
No Discipline Without Justice
However, when we look at the practices, we see dismissals that are questionable in conscience, discipline that does not work where it is needed and loss of measure and balance. This picture undermines trust within the party.
The mechanism that operates under the name of discipline has come to resemble the sword of Damocles. So much so that even not greeting a PM member can be grounds for expulsion.
On the one hand, the discourse of “all together or none of us”, on the other hand, showing the door to those who think differently... This is a clear contradiction. What is needed is not to divide, but to unite.
Of course there may be those who need to go. But these decisions should be based on clear and fair criteria, not personal ones. True leadership is not only about keeping like-minded people together, but also about keeping different voices together.
Discipline exists for justice, not to produce fear. Expulsion should be exceptional. It must not be forgotten that every party member is also a voter and often the most loyal voter.
Internal Peace is Essential
The fundamental problem of the CHP is clear: Lack of inner peace. A significant amount of energy is spent on internal struggle. This is no longer a temporary but a structural problem.
Of course, rallies and rhetoric are important. But the public perception is different: These rallies are seen as moves to protect party cadres, not for the people. Without changing this perception, it is difficult for the messages to resonate.
Because a structure that cannot ensure internal peace can neither inspire confidence nor focus on regional and global problems.
At this point, the duty of Mr. Özgür Özel is clear: To concretize the “father's house” rhetoric, to take unity as a basis, not division, and to establish peace within the party.
Because the CHP cannot build the internal front that Turkey needs without achieving peace within itself.
In a structure where everyone accuses each other of being “supporters of the government”, how will “all together or none of us” be realized?
Today, while the government imprisons its opponents, the CHP's expulsion of its own opponents from the party inevitably raises the following question: Who is more similar to whom?
This is why it must be stated clearly: What the CHP needs today is not expulsion, is an embrace. And the first step is to declare peace within the party without hesitation.
Mr. Ozgur Ozel,
What has been entrusted to you is not just a task; it is accumulation and historical responsibility. You have to rebuild unity, not deepen divisions.
Otherwise, the CHP may again become the first party in the elections... This may make the party leadership successful. However, this success is not enough to bring about the transformation Turkey needs.
Because what Turkey needs today is not being the first party, but a will that can stand together, inspire confidence and guide the country.
The CHP has the historical background to show this will.
It is important to remember that those who cannot establish justice inside cannot promise justice outside.