CHP and SPD Sign Joint Declaration

CHP CHAIRPERSON ÖZGÜR ÖZEL:

“SPD’s Support Highlights Our Determination for Turkey’s Full Membership in the European Union”

“The First Step in Initiatives Benefiting Two Parties, Two Nations, Two Peoples, and Europe”

CHP Chairperson Özgür Özel, regarding the joint declaration signed with Lars Klingbeil, Co-Chairperson of Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD), stated:

“This document underscores my party’s determination for Turkey’s full membership in the European Union and emphasizes SPD’s support for this commitment. This is not merely a letter of intent printed on paper; it is a significant step that will serve as the foundation for numerous initiatives benefiting two parties, two nations, two peoples, and Europe.”

CHP Chairperson Özgür Özel, along with his delegation, hosted SPD Co-Chairperson Lars Klingbeil at CHP Headquarters in Ankara to sign a political cooperation protocol. During the joint press conference, Özel stated:

“Welcome to Ankara, to our headquarters, my esteemed Chairperson and dear comrades. Today, from the moment you set foot in Turkey and Ankara, your first visit was to Anıtkabir. Your request for us to accompany you, the meaningful words you wrote in Anıtkabir’s memorial book, and your valuable reflections during the inter-delegation meetings express profound appreciation for Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, and his principles. I am deeply grateful for your remarks regarding the values he introduced to Turkey and his philosophy of ‘peace at home, peace in the world,’ which continues to inspire globally.” Özel continued:

“TURKS ARE NEGATIVELY AFFECTED BY THE RISING RACISM IN EUROPE”

“It is a great honor to host you here at our headquarters in Ankara, the capital of Turkey, located within the same boundaries as Anıtkabir and the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. Last November, I was invited to your party congress, where I had the opportunity to deliver a speech. Moreover, during our one-on-one meetings with you and esteemed Chancellor Olaf Scholz, we emphasized the importance of strengthening the relations between our parties to enhance ties between our countries. Today, in line with the mutual decisions made at that congress, we signed a political cooperation protocol between SPD and the Republican People’s Party. This protocol has been distributed to members of the press in both Turkish and German.”

“Germany is the country with the largest population of Turkish origin outside of Turkey. The interaction of our citizens facilitates the relationship between our countries. However, Turks in Europe are negatively affected by the rising racism and Islamophobia. In Germany, especially due to the progressive integration policies initiated by social democratic and leftist governments years ago, Turks living there reside in an environment where these negative effects have been minimized. All Turkish citizens, regardless of their political preferences in Turkey, are aware that the achievements they enjoy in Germany today were realized during the tenures of social democrats and leftist administrations. Sharing this understanding within Turkey is extremely valuable.” Özel continued:

“TURKS ARE NEGATIVELY AFFECTED BY THE RISING RACISM IN EUROPE”

“It is a great honor to host you here at our headquarters in Ankara, the capital of Turkey, located within the same boundaries as Anıtkabir and the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. Last November, I was invited to your party congress, where I had the opportunity to deliver a speech. Moreover, during our one-on-one meetings with you and esteemed Chancellor Olaf Scholz, we emphasized the importance of strengthening the relations between our parties to enhance ties between our countries. Today, in line with the mutual decisions made at that congress, we signed a political cooperation protocol between SPD and the Republican People’s Party. This protocol has been distributed to members of the press in both Turkish and German.”

“Germany is the country with the largest population of Turkish origin outside of Turkey. The interaction of our citizens facilitates the relationship between our countries. However, Turks in Europe are negatively affected by the rising racism and Islamophobia. In Germany, especially due to the progressive integration policies initiated by social democratic and leftist governments years ago, Turks living there reside in an environment where these negative effects have been minimized. All Turkish citizens, regardless of their political preferences in Turkey, are aware that the achievements they enjoy in Germany today were realized during the tenures of social democrats and leftist administrations. Sharing this understanding within Turkey is extremely valuable.”

“WE TOOK A LONG-OVERDUE BUT RIGHT STEP TOGETHER”

“On this occasion, I would like to emphasize my belief that the far-right threat rising in Germany will be overcome at the ballot box. We have such deep-rooted relations with Germany and its ruling party, SPD. Therefore, I once again express my pleasure in hosting this delegation here. The declaration my friend Lars and I signed just moments ago not only broadens areas of cooperation between our parties but also creates new opportunities that will benefit two closely connected countries and their peoples. This declaration should have been signed earlier. Together, we have just taken a long-overdue but correct step.”

“As two of Europe’s oldest and most established political parties, we are sibling parties that share the same worldview. Many CHP members living in Germany are also SPD members, or even if they are not members, they are volunteers and voters who work for SPD. The cooperation between SPD, the ruling party of Germany, and our party, which recently became Turkey’s leading party in local elections, offers opportunities not only to the two parties but also to enhance the relationship between the two countries. Considering the large Turkish population living in Germany, as well as the deep historical and existing ties between the two nations, it is both natural and positive for these two parties to come together and express their willingness to deepen these relationships.”

“WHAT IS WRITTEN HERE DESCRIBES NOT OUR LIMITS, BUT THE BREADTH OF OUR VISION”

“First and foremost, I would like to emphasize that the document we signed is a political cooperation declaration. While it lists key topics, it also establishes a foundation for expanding areas of collaboration and principles. Therefore, what is written here does not describe our limits but rather the breadth of our vision. Through this declaration, my party’s and my country’s determination for full membership in the European Union is highlighted, as well as SPD’s support for this goal.”

“Our mutual desire to cooperate on defending social justice, promoting democratic and liberal values, combating far-right extremism and populism, creating a fair world order, ensuring peace and stability, protecting the environment and climate, and achieving sustainable and inclusive economic development both globally and in our country is reaffirmed. The continuation of the document outlines our decision to build dialogue mechanisms in four areas: one, democracy; two, foreign policy, peace, and EU relations; three, sustainable and inclusive development; and four, regular exchange of ideas and institutional cooperation mechanisms. Particularly the last section provides a broad framework for establishing closer cooperation in the context of current developments.”

“REPRESENTATIVES OF BOTH PARTIES WORKED DILIGENTLY”

“The document has been distributed to you in both Turkish and German for your review. I want to highlight that the representatives of both parties worked diligently for a long time to make this declaration possible, and I extend my gratitude to all of them. I see the starting point of this effort as my participation in the SPD congress in December 2023, where I was given the opportunity to address the attendees. For this, I express my gratitude once again, and I would like to say that it would be a great honor for us if you could attend our future congresses and share your valuable perspectives.”

“I would also like to thank the esteemed leaders of my party and SPD, who made this declaration possible. This document is not merely a letter of intent printed on paper; it is an important step that will pave the way for many initiatives benefiting two parties, two countries, two peoples, and Europe. I extend my gratitude to you and your delegation on behalf of everyone involved.”

“THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN MERKEL AND ERDOĞAN IS NOT HUMANITARIAN”

Responding to journalists’ questions, Özgür Özel stated:

“Turkey-Germany relations are deeply rooted. Maintaining these relations well benefits both countries and all societies within them. When the Republican People’s Party (CHP) comes to power, these good relations will continue and even improve. However, the difference will be as follows: relations will be conducted institutionally, prioritizing past institutional achievements and diplomacy over personal negotiations, deals, agendas, or upcoming elections. Unfortunately, the ups and downs in Turkey-Germany relations have sometimes been used as tools for domestic politics in both countries, leading to wounds that are later difficult to heal.”

“Another observation I must make is regarding the refugee agreement made between Mr. Erdoğan and Ms. Merkel, referred to as the ‘6 billion Euro’ agreement. While this was a major success for Merkel, and perhaps Erdoğan also boasts about it, it is not a correct agreement from the perspective of European ideals or the humanitarian approach we believe in. Turkey is not a country to be used as a refugee depot at the border of Europe in exchange for 6 billion Euros. We all know that this agreement was not confined to just 6 billion Euros.”

“WE ADVOCATE RELIEVING TURKEY FROM BEARING THE REFUGEE BURDEN ALONE”

“Reports about Turkey have been written with a much softer tone, and international delegations investigating human rights violations in Turkey have acted far more cautiously than they did in the past. These instances go against European ideals. We want Turkey to become a full member of the European Union. We do not want reports about Turkey to be written kindly; we want to leave no reason for anything negative to be written. We aim to achieve democratization, the rule of law, separation of powers, and the right to be an integral part of Europe. However, the agreement Merkel and Erdoğan reached essentially said, ‘Stay out, take the money, and do as you please as long as you take care of these refugees.’

“We argue that Turkey’s refugee problem poses a medium- and long-term threat to all of Europe. Peace must come to Syria. Turkey-Syria relations must be immediately improved. Europe must take responsibility by collectively contributing to encouraging Syrian refugees to voluntarily return to Syria. We believe this will both free Turkey from being an open refugee camp at Europe’s border and relieve Turkey of bearing this burden alone.”

“Only leaders on both sides who, like us, are not hostile to refugees but oppose the policies that create refugee crises, can resolve this issue. This can be solved by social democrats who believe in the ideals that make Europe what it is. From this perspective, I promise a relationship between two equal, allied states that is based on respect and institutional cooperation—one that rejects personal approaches but does not disregard personal friendships, and one that is sustainable through institutional frameworks.”

“I SINCERELY HOPE THE VISA ISSUE WILL BE RESOLVED”

In response to another question, Özgür Özel stated:

“I would be very happy if the agreement eliminates this issue. Young people, patients, and businesspeople in Turkey are severely affected by the visa problem. When we spoke with the German Ambassador and Mr. Scholz, they explained that there has been an incredible demand for asylum from Turkey, which has led to visa rejections and delays in processing due to the overwhelming number of applications. In practice, there was a significant slowdown in visa applications from Turkey. Mr. Scholz assured us that this agreement would resolve this problem. That is what we have read and been informed of. If this works as intended, it will be a great relief for young people, patients, businesspeople, and all Turkish citizens.”

“As for those whose asylum requests are not accepted by Germany, it has been stated that a certain number of individuals involved in crimes against Turkey’s constitutional order or the coup attempt are among them. However, I do not have any official information on this. If such individuals exist, it is normal for Germany not to accept them. But beyond this, I am not aware of any lists or the reasoning behind them. I cannot officially comment on whether the deportation of these individuals is right or wrong. If they are not accepted and are being deported, their return to Turkey is already our obligation. But I sincerely hope this agreement resolves the visa problem.”

“THE ENTIRE PARTY WILL RALLY AROUND THE CANDIDATE AND WE WILL WIN THE ELECTION”

When asked about Ankara Metropolitan Mayor Mansur Yavaş’ s comments regarding his candidacy for the presidency, Özel responded:

“I interpret Mr. Mansur’s statement in two parts. First, ‘We will definitely win.’ I wholeheartedly agree with this. Second, ‘If my party nominates me.’ This highlights the importance of party discipline. It also addresses debates like, ‘Will there be more than one candidate from the Republican People’s Party (CHP)?’ His readiness to respect the party’s decision is exactly the approach expected of him. When he says, ‘We will definitely win,’ the party he is referring to is the CHP. I think this is an extremely strong statement.”

“Beyond this, the CHP is now putting aside candidate discussions. We have a consensus on winning. The party will decide on its candidate. There will be no other candidate, and the entire party will rally around the chosen candidate and win the election.”

“WE ARE THOROUGHLY CLEANING SCHOOLS WITHOUT MAKING A FUSS ON SOCIAL MEDIA”

In response to a question about the Ministry of Education obstructing municipalities’ efforts to solve hygiene issues in schools, Özel said:

“We had written to municipalities governed by the Republican People’s Party, stating, ‘If you can’t handle the hygiene issues in schools, we will step in and solve them.’ Many of our municipalities have taken action in this regard. Mr. Mansur [Yavaş] has also taken steps on this issue. Nearly all of Ankara has requested assistance. Now, they are preventing schools from being cleaned under pressure. If this pressure ensures schools are cleaned, that’s good. But if schools remain unclean and school principals are pressured, this is playing with public health and children’s well-being. It is an attempt to cover one fault with another, which we find completely unacceptable.”

“Meanwhile, we’ve received reports from many municipalities saying, ‘We are cleaning all schools upon the intense demands of school principals and parent-teacher associations, without making this public or posting it on social media. We don’t share this because if it becomes known, it might be obstructed.’ We told them, ‘Focus on the work itself, not its communication.’ And our colleagues are doing their best to carry out this task as effectively as possible.”

“I THINK IT RESULTED FROM THE CONVEYANCE OF A SINGLE SENTENCE”

Regarding a question about a social media post by the 7th CHP Chairperson Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, Özel responded:

“I hold no grudge against my Chairperson because I believe it stemmed from a lack of information. Unfortunately, only one sentence was shared on Twitter: ‘Turkey is not a country that gives bribes.’ However, as you know, in the statement I made, which was also covered extensively in the press yesterday, I said in New York: ‘America is a state of law. Nobody can escape justice there. If someone is guilty, they will face punishment. If anyone from Turkey was involved in this crime, they have greatly wronged Turkey and must also be punished.’ If Mr. Kılıçdaroğlu had read this part of the statement, he wouldn’t have made that evaluation. Unfortunately, I think this misunderstanding arose because his close associates only conveyed the Twitter post to him.”

“Today, I spent about two hours with Mr. Kılıçdaroğlu during the recess of the Sinan Ateş trial. We had a very cordial conversation there, in a sincere atmosphere, and discussed the matter in a constructive manner free from any resentment.”

“TURKS IN GERMANY KNOW THE THREAT OF THE FAR RIGHT”

In response to another question, Özgür Özel stated:

“Let me be frank—before the French elections, I openly called on everyone who values my opinion on social media to be cautious of the far right and to cast their votes accordingly. Among the countries that need such warnings the least is Germany. Turks in Germany already understand how much of a threat the far right poses to them. However, I would like to reiterate: in Germany, all steps taken to improve integration and to address the challenges Turks face have always occurred during the tenures of social democratic or leftist governments, or under grand coalitions that included leftists and social democrats.”

“I am not the one teaching this to our citizens in Germany; in fact, I have learned this from them. My two uncles were among the first workers to move to Germany, and they often told me about the fear they felt when sending their children to school during the rise of the far right, about the oppressive atmosphere that was created, and about how much they could relax when the far right lost strength. Turks in Germany do not need my call to be vigilant against the far right; they are already extremely cautious.”