Main opposition leader Ozel hints at early elections at Gaziantep rally

Ozgur Ozel, leader of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), hinted at the possibility of early elections during the party’s rally in Gaziantep, highlighting the economic struggles of citizens.

Addressing the crowd, Ozel emphasized the difficulties faced by people because of current wages, prices, and governance.

“With these wages, prices, and management, survival is impossible. This means there will be an election, and we will win that election, you will win that election. Türkiye will win,” he stated.

Ozel also voiced the concerns of farmers, particularly hazelnut producers, and underscored the broader economic issues.

“In a country with such agricultural potential, you would expect farmers’ children to want to continue farming, for everyone to want to own land,” Ozel said.

“This government has driven farmers away from the land. Today, if three out of four young farmers say they would move to a big city if they could find a job, that’s where the problem lies. Look at those who spontaneously throw their products on the ground, see this reaction. This reaction is not political; it is a human and moral reaction,” he declared.

In a pointed remark suggesting early elections, Ozel stated: “The solution is not in pleading with the government, but in changing this government. I call on the government from here: Stop protecting a handful of intermediaries, a handful of traders. You bear the burden, and others reap the profits.”

Ozel concluded by expressing his concern for pensioners struggling to make ends meet.

“My concern is with the retirees who have to survive on ₺12,500 ($368,8),” he said, vowing to continue advocating for those facing economic hardships.