‘I have no authority to declare early elections,’ CHP’s leader Ozel says

Türkiye’s main opposition party Republican People’s Party (CHP) Chairman Ozgur Ozel clarified that he lacks the authority to call for early elections, retracting his earlier statement suggesting that “the public might demand early elections if the situation persists.” This statement was in reference to the arrest of Hakkari Mayor Mehmet Siddik Akis on terrorism charges.

Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) members called for early elections after the arrest. Akis has been sentenced to 19 years and six months in prison on terrorism-related charges. Although Ozel harshly criticized the arrest, he clarified his earlier statement on early elections by saying that he does not have the authority for such an option. 

Ozel to meet Erdogan next week

Ozel has announced plans to hold a meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party). Scheduled for June 11, the meeting aims to foster dialogue between the opposing political factions.

Addressing journalists’ queries, Ozel confirmed the upcoming meeting, stating, “We are scheduled to convene with President Erdogan on June 11 at 4 p.m. The meeting will be hosted at the CHP headquarters, with both parties represented by their respective delegations, following the customary protocol for such engagements.”