Türkiye’s main opposition CHP’s leader Ozel declares he won’t run for president
Main opposition CHP's leader Ozel attends Primary Health Care and Preventive Health Services Workshop organized at Cankaya Municipality, Ankara, Türkiye, September 30, 2024. (AA Photo)
Discussions continue within Türkiye’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) regarding the party’s presidential candidate for the upcoming general elections. CHP Chairman Ozgur Ozel revealed that he would not be candidate by stating, “I am not the candidate for the next presidential election.”
In a recent television interview, Ozel addressed various questions about the current political landscape.
He asserted that he would not jeopardize the party’s chances of winning. “I will not impose my candidacy and obstruct the selection of the most suitable candidate,” he said.
Ozel emphasized the importance of voter sentiment, saying, “Voters are not likely to be angry with me for standing against Erdoğan. Underlining that voters who previously supported the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) are now willing to listen he added, “All indicators show this. Therefore, I am prepared to pay any price. If necessary, I will sacrifice myself, but I will ensure that the party wins this election.”
Will there be an AK Party-CHP alliance?
In response to speculation about a potential coalition with the ruling AK Party, Ozel stated, “Why would I? My primary focus is to help my party gain power.”
“However, I also consider how the average voter feels while doing this,” he added.
