CHP Leader Özgür Özel: “In the First Elections, a CHP Government that Stands for Both ‘Security’ and ‘Democracy’ Will Take Office

“OUR UNITY STRENGTHENS INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY AGAINST AUTHORITARIANISM”

“JUST AS WE OPPOSED REFUGEE BARGAINING, WE OPPOSE MAKING SECURITY AND DEMOCRACY SUBJECT TO NEGOTIATION”

“WHEREVER AUTHORITARIANISM RISES, THOSE WHO FIGHT SHOULDER TO SHOULDER FOR DEMOCRACY MUST STAND FIRM”

Republican People’s Party (CHP) Leader Özgür Özel addressed the Congress of the Swiss Social Democratic Party. Delivering his remarks in German, Chairperson Özel said:

“I am extremely pleased and honored to address my comrades here today. I am also very happy to be in a country where the Treaty of Lausanne and the Montreux Convention two agreements of immense importance for the establishment of modern Turkey were signed. Before beginning my speech, I would like to extend my thanks to Mr. Cédric Wermuth, who kindly invited me as the keynote speaker, and to Co-Chair Mattea Meyer. I would also like to convey the greetings of our Istanbul Mayor and Presidential Candidate, Mr. Ekrem İmamoğlu, as well as the greetings of our other mayors who are unlawfully imprisoned. On the occasion of this congress, I believe that our presence here is immensely valuable for strengthening international solidarity against rising authoritarianism around the world.”

He continued:

“DEMOCRACY OR SECURITY?”

“Dear comrades, the party I lead is the founding and most established political party of modern Turkey. Since the earliest days of my chairmanship, I have been meeting with our comrades across Europe and in various parts of the world. In our political engagements, I witness increasing concerns regarding democracy and security.

Alongside its geopolitical significance, interest in Turkey has risen due to the deepening crisis of security and democracy. Looking toward Turkey from Europe, one sees a country where the ruling party has staged a political coup against the main opposition indeed, against the future governing party. Yet on the other hand, one sees a Turkey with extraordinary military capabilities and a strong defense industry.

Thus, as Europe builds its new security architecture, a Turkey excluded from that structure is simply unimaginable.

These two contrasting realities inevitably raise a critical question in the minds of our European friends: Democracy or security? Those who try to craft a roadmap based on these two priorities overlook an essential truth: with immense public support and determination, the first elections will bring to power a government under the CHP that stands for both ‘security’ and ‘democracy.’”

“WE WILL BE IN POWER AFTER THE FIRST ELECTIONS”

“Dear comrades, we know that the Republican People’s Party will form the next government of Turkey. All public opinion polls confirm that we are the leading party. Furthermore, each week we are holding major rallies in different cities of Turkey and in various districts of Istanbul. At these rallies, we witness the people’s strong faith in and commitment to democracy.

We conduct politics with the belief that democracy is not merely an issue for one country, but for the whole world. We emphasize at every opportunity the importance of global solidarity for democracy. We know that if we stand in solidarity, authoritarianism will fall everywhere; if we fall apart, authoritarianism will prevail everywhere. Authoritarians understand this truth very well therefore they support one another and act in alliance.

It is authoritarians and their alliances who try to convince the world that when security is at stake, democracy becomes irrelevant. But we believe that democracy, stability, and security must go hand in hand. We know that the root cause of domestic instability is the divisive politics of authoritarians, and that personalized diplomacy where institutions and traditional diplomatic mechanisms are sidelined creates instability and unpredictability in foreign policy.

While we acknowledge the close relationship between stability and security, we insist that neither can exist without democracy.

Dear comrades, across the world, economic crises and migration challenges are fueling right-wing populist and authoritarian movements. When these two issues compound, right-wing populists manipulate public resentment and thereby gain strength.

In Turkey, however, the CHP not only resists authoritarianism at home but does so as part of a broad democratic alliance. We are widening this alliance. Our party presents solutions to the economic crisis and all other major issues through a policy agenda that emphasizes the social state and inclusive development. Instead of responding to authoritarianism with another form of authoritarianism, we respond with an inclusive understanding of democracy. Contrary to global trends, social democracy is strengthening in Turkey.”

“A PRINCIPLED RELATIONSHIP WITH EUROPE”

“Dear comrades, we observe that Europe faces significant security concerns, particularly following the war in Ukraine. We firmly advocate for the end of all wars and conflicts, especially in Ukraine and Palestine. We are acutely aware that the security of Europe and the security of Turkey are deeply interconnected. We see Turkey as a natural part of Europe and support full membership in the European Union.

In the context of the ‘European security architecture,’ we are equal partners. We absolutely reject the notion that Turkey should be seen only as a security provider. We oppose turning vital issues into bargaining chips. Just as we opposed the refugee deals of the past, today we oppose making security and democracy subjects of negotiation.

We advocate for a principled, value-based relationship between Turkey and Europe.”

“NO SALVATION ALONE”

“Dear comrades, when we speak of Europe, we think first of the Council of Europe, of which we are a founding member. The Council represents the will of all states on this continent its purpose is to raise a strong voice against injustice and authoritarianism.

When we speak of Europe, we think of the European Union a meaningful union only insofar as it embraces universal democratic principles. As the CHP, we fully uphold those universal democratic principles. When we speak of ‘Europe,’ we speak of a geography of which we are a part. When we speak of Europe’s security, we are in fact speaking of our own security of all our security.

Dear comrades, we hold that wherever authoritarianism rises, those who stand shoulder to shoulder for democracy must rise to meet it. In the face of fear-mongering, we will defend hope; in the face of those who want war, we will defend peace; in the face of neoliberal brutality, we will defend the social state, inclusive and sustainable development; in the face of poverty, we will defend social justice.

No salvation either all together, or none of us.”

Following his speech, Republican People’s Party Chairperson Özgür Özel received a standing ovation from the members of the Swiss Social Democratic Party Congress.