Under Özgür Özel, the Republican People's Party seems to have lost its compass at one of the most critical thresholds of its history. The cadres who set out with the claim of change soon drifted to a line that prioritizes instant reflexes over principled consistency.
There is discourse, but no strategy; criticism, but no solution.
On the one hand, the party emphasizes “new politics”, but on the other, it cannot get out of the shadow of old habits. Instead of taking a clear and courageous stance on social problems, it pursues a reactionary politics that drifts after the agenda. This situation generates uncertainty rather than confidence among voters.
The biggest problem is ideological blurring.
The CHP is unable to articulate loud and clear what it stands for.
As a social democratic party, it is expected to produce strong policies on labor, justice and equality; however, the picture presented is a fragmented and disorganized one.
This makes the party controversial even among its own voters.
The issue of leadership is another topic. Özgür Özel's outbursts often create an agenda, but they fall short of establishing a permanent direction.
Political leadership is not just about talking the talk; it is about giving direction, taking risks and paying the price when necessary. It is precisely this determination that the CHP lacks today.
In conclusion, as long as the CHP fails to bridge the gap between rhetoric and action, its claim of “change” will be nothing more than a slogan.
Turkey needs a strong opposition, but this need can be met by a politics that stands firm, not drifts.