Türkiye’s main opposition party leader heads to US

Türkiye’s main opposition party Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Ozgur Ozel is set to attend the Socialist International meeting in the U.S. from Sept. 24 to 27, coinciding with the United Nations General Assembly session.

During the event, Ozel is expected to unveil the “Ankara Declaration” – a document prepared during the CHP Party’s constitutional congress in early September, with input from Socialist International representatives. The declaration, co-signed by Ozel and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, will also be submitted to the U.N. General Assembly.

Ankara Declaration to be presented to UN

Ozel was elected as vice president of the Socialist International at the Socialist International Council Meeting hosted by the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party in Madrid.

Commenting on his election to this position, Ozel said, “We advocate that social democrats should act together against the rising far right and authoritarian populism in Europe and the world.”

“This mandate will allow us to communicate more often with our fellow social democrats, promoting social democracy worldwide. We must be more vocal in Europe and globally, particularly in condemning the tragic situation in Palestine,” he added.

Gaza and global issues in focus

Ozel’s speech is anticipated to address the rise of far-right movements across the globe, highlighting the role of social democratic parties in finding collective solutions. He is also expected to bring attention to Israel’s recent attacks on Gaza and the killing of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi in the West Bank.

In his remarks, Ozel will likely call for more effective political cooperation between “like-minded” parties, focusing on addressing global challenges such as the climate crisis and so-called “culture wars.”

Ozel’s visit to the U.S. will also include bilateral meetings with other political leaders.