CHP Chairman Özgür Özel Addresses the Socialist International Council: “Our Expectation is the Fair Sharing of Turkey’s Migration Burden”

“PERMANENT PEACE AND A TWO-STATE SOLUTION IN PALESTINE MUST BE SUPPORTED”

“ALL SOCIAL DEMOCRATS SHOULD ADVOCATE FOR A DEMOCRATIC REGIME IN SYRIA”

Republican People’s Party (CHP) Chairman Özgür Özel, addressing the Socialist International Council Meeting, emphasized:

“Our fundamental expectation is to act in solidarity to equitably share Turkey’s migration burden. The Middle East has once again become a region of conflict. The developments in Gaza and Syria dominate the global agenda and must also top ours. All social democratic parties and governments must advocate for lasting peace and a two-state solution in Palestine. In Syria, the urgent establishment of a democratic regime that respects all identities and religious beliefs is essential. While doing so, it is critical to preserve Syria’s territorial integrity. All social democratic parties and governments must support this process.”

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel attended the Socialist International Council Meeting in Rabat, Morocco. Addressing the attendees, Özel said:

“Mr. President, dear Pedro, dear Chantal, Paulina, my esteemed comrades, I would like to begin by extending my heartfelt gratitude to our comrades from the Socialist Union of Popular Forces in Morocco and their First Secretary, Mr. Driss Lachgar, for hosting this council meeting. I also wish to express my condolences and solidarity with Germany following yesterday’s terrorist attack. As a citizen of a country and the leader of a political party that has endured the scourge of terrorism, I unequivocally condemn terrorism in all its forms, irrespective of its origin, purpose, or scope. Combating terrorism is one of humanity’s most honorable and essential struggles.”

“OUR MUNICIPALITIES ARE PRACTICAL EXAMPLES OF SOCIAL DEMOCRACY”

“My esteemed comrades, the global rise of right-wing populism, radical right ideologies, and electoral authoritarianism poses a growing challenge to democracy and human rights. This political trend fosters societal polarization, stifles demands for change, and sidelines critical issues such as women’s rights, labor rights, and environmental justice. According to the United Nations Development Programme’ s 2023-2024 Human Development Report, leaders who erode the fundamental rules and institutions of democracy regrettably continue to gain power, while global support for democracy remains high, at around 90%. This contradiction represents a ‘democracy paradox.’ Overcoming this paradox requires the resolute determination of social democracy to promote justice, security, and equality in all areas. It is encouraging to witness strong public support for these ideals across the globe.

For example, the Republican People’s Party, which I lead, emerged as the leading political party in Turkey’s most recent local elections. For the first time in 47 years, our party is now the nation’s leading political force, confidently progressing toward governing the country. The municipalities we govern have become practical examples of the principles of social democracy in action. These public-oriented, developmental, and welfare-based initiatives not only dissolve the climate of polarization but also create pathways for social justice and development.”

“THE MIGRATION BURDEN MUST BE SHARED FAIRLY”

“My esteemed comrades, the world is facing an unprecedented irregular migration crisis. Radical right-wing policies, which frame migrants as the primary cause of economic problems and societal tensions, fuel xenophobia and discrimination. However, the undeniable reality is that societies expect political solutions to the connections between migration and economic, security, and social challenges.

Although the Middle East comprises only 5.5% of the world’s population, it hosts 58% of the global refugee and migrant population. Syrian refugees alone account for 27% of this total, and Turkey hosts the largest share of these individuals. In a country like Turkey, which accommodates millions of migrants, ignoring migration-related issues is not an option. Turkey remains one of the nations most affected by the migration crisis, yet it is also one of the least supported by the international community. While Turkey bears the brunt of this challenge, our fundamental expectation and call is for solidarity and the equitable sharing of this burden.”

“THE HUMAN TRAGEDY IN PALESTINE MUST END IMMEDIATELY”

“The Middle East has once again turned into a hotspot of conflict. The events in Gaza and Syria dominate the global agenda and must also top ours. As social democrats, it is our moral responsibility to stand united in advocating for peace and human rights in both situations. The human tragedy in Palestine must come to an immediate end. There is a pressing need for a just and lasting solution. Social democratic parties and governments across the globe must stand together to support lasting peace and a two-state solution in Palestine.

In Syria, it is imperative to urgently establish a democratic regime that guarantees the constitutional rights of all citizens, respects all identities and religious beliefs, and preserves the country’s territorial integrity. This process requires the unwavering support of all social democratic parties and governments.”

“CHP, WITH ITS GOVERNANCE ASPIRATIONS, IS READY TO STRENGTHEN SOLIDARITY”

“The challenges we face extend beyond the rise of the radical right, authoritarianism, deepening discrimination, wars, and migration crises. Poverty is an equally pressing issue. UNDP’s reports on human development highlight the growing global inequality. The world is sounding alarms.

Addressing global challenges requires a new development approach that is inclusive, sustainable, and equitable. The solutions cannot be achieved through the isolated strengthening of the left in individual countries. Moving forward, social democratic parties worldwide must confront isolationism, the personalization of inter-state relations, war rhetoric, poverty, and xenophobia by promoting solidarity, institutional diplomacy, peace, prosperity, and human rights. My party, the CHP, aspiring to emerge from the next elections as Turkey’s governing party, is ready to fulfill its responsibilities in strengthening solidarity.”

“A PROPOSAL FOR A DELEGATION TO KYRGYZSTAN FOR SULTANBEKOV”

“My esteemed comrades, the Chairman of the Kyrgyz Social Democratic Party, Temirlan Sultanbekov, who is a member of Socialist International, is unfortunately not with us today. His seat is empty because his party was barred from participating in the elections three days before the vote in his country, and he has since been imprisoned. Sultanbekov has been on a hunger strike for 38 days in protest. Socialist International stands in full solidarity with Sultanbekov’s honorable struggle and reiterates its call for his release.

Our Deputy Chairman for Foreign Affairs and Shadow Foreign Minister, İlhan Uzgel, has contacted the Kyrgyz Embassy in Turkey to convey our concerns and express our support. I propose that Socialist International send a delegation to Kyrgyzstan, hold meetings, organize a press statement, and even take a solidarity photo in front of the relevant prison. I present this proposal for your consideration.”

THE ISTANBUL APPROACH AND A NEW ROADMAP

“In conclusion, I once again thank our hosts in Morocco. I look forward to welcoming you all to Istanbul for the next council meeting. At that meeting, I invite you to discuss solutions to the challenges facing our world and our nation, overcome the democracy paradox, achieve social justice, and shape a new developmental perspective that will allow us to prosper together. I am confident that these discussions will culminate in a strong Istanbul declaration, an Istanbul approach, and a new roadmap for us all. We possess the strength and determination to build the framework for a new social contract and proclaim it to the world.

I greet you all with solidarity.”