Türkiye’s main opposition party aims at mobilizing tea producers, but why?

In Rize, famed for its tea production, Ozgur Ozel, chairman of the main opposition party in Türkiye, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), raised questions about the government’s methodology for disclosing tea prices during a speech at the “Tea Rally” hosted by his party.

“Is it appropriate for an agriculture minister or a president to avoid publicly announcing tea prices? Why use Twitter for such announcements?” he questioned.

Addressing the crowd in Rize’s July 15 Democracy and Republic Square, Ozel focused on the problems faced by tea producers. The rally, held in the heart of Türkiye’s capital and the hometown of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, attracted tea producers from Rize’s districts and nearby provinces. Many citizens listened to Ozel from outside the barrier-separated area.

The CHP sees the discontent over recent tea price increases as a political opportunity to attract traditionally pro-government tea producers. Under the slogan “We hear and voice the tea producer’s concerns,” the CHP called for an increase in the purchase price of tea.

1.5 million people rely on tea income

Ozel also highlighted the plight of Caykur workers, who are unemployed for half the year, suffer from inflation-eroded wages, and some earn less than the minimum wage. He called for full staffing and improved working conditions for these workers. According to Ozel, 1.5 million people in Türkiye rely on tea income, with 250,000 families dependent on tea farming.

Meanwhile, there was notable interest and affection from citizens toward Tahsin Ocakli, the CHP’s MP elected from Rize after 46 years. When Ocakli greeted the crowd from the party bus, Rize residents declared, “Tahsin Ocakli is the architect of today,” acknowledging their sole CHP representative in Parliament.

Meanwhile, there was notable interest and affection from citizens toward Tahsin Ocakli, the CHP’s MP elected from Rize after 46 years. When Ocakli greeted the crowd from the party bus, Rize residents declared, “Tahsin Ocaklı is the architect of today,” acknowledging their sole CHP representative in Parliament.

Why CHP is after tea producers?

The CHP’s move is seen as an attempt to attract The Justice and Development Party (AK Party) supporting tea producers to its side by organizing such rallies in Rize, one of the cities where tea producers generally support the ruling AK Party.

While the Black Sea region is also known for widespread hazelnut cultivation, the CHP’s focus on tea producers raises questions about their strategy. The AK Party, which has a significant support base in the Black Sea region, might be challenged by this move.

Unlike the hazelnut-producing provinces of Giresun and Ordu, Rize holds particular significance as the hometown of AK Party leader and President Erdogan, who commands substantial local support. The CHP’s emphasis on tea producers is seen as an attempt to sway Erdogan’s support base in Rize.