Selin Sayek Böke: “A Fairer, More Equal, and More Peaceful Order Is Possible With Democracy Against Autocracy and Social State Against Violence”

CHP Secretary General and Vice President of Socialist International Women, Selin Sayek Böke, delivered a speech at the opening of the Socialist International Council meeting, stating:

"Another order is possible. A fairer, more equal, and more peaceful order is possible, one where democracy stands against autocracy and the social state stands against violence. And without a doubt, this hall allows us to say with confidence and self-assurance: that order will surely be established. Democracy will prevail, justice will be served, and equality will certainly exist.”

Elected as Vice President of Socialist International Women at its Board meeting, Böke addressed the Socialist International Council’s opening session. She emphasized the significance of holding such an important program in Istanbul, noting:

"On March 19, a coup was carried out by arresting the Mayor of this great city, our party’s presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu, along with many of our colleagues. Against this authoritarian mindset, a powerful and determined populism defending democracy, justice, and equality has spread from Istanbul to all of Anatolia, and from Anatolia to the entire world.”

Highlighting that we are living in “an era of uncertainty shaped by great transformations,” Böke stressed that the struggle for democracy and justice would begin in Istanbul:

"Everything is constantly changing, and these great transformations bring destruction. Amidst this destruction, all peoples, each of us demand the justice and prosperity we deserve, and the establishment of an economic order where we can all thrive together. We are determined to build it.

We know that the world we deserve and the path out of today’s destruction can only be achieved through solidarity, unity, and a shared struggle. We know and we say: ‘There is no salvation alone. Either all together or none of us.’

For this very reason, I extend heartfelt thanks to our great family of the Socialist International, led by President Pedro Sánchez, for accepting our invitation to gather here, to stand with us, and to share our determination to realize the world we all deserve.”

Böke underlined the importance of hosting this meeting in Istanbul:

"It is significant because we are here as a strong crowd ready to send a powerful message from Istanbul to all of Turkey, and from all of Turkey to the world. Another order is possible. A fairer, more equal, and more peaceful order is possible, one with democracy against autocracy, and a social state against violence. And without a doubt, this hall allows us to say with confidence and pride: that order will surely be established.

Democracy will prevail. Justice will be delivered. Equality will certainly exist. Because we know that, as in this hall, the will for democracy represented by millions continues to grow with determination, resilience, and hope across the world.”

Selin Sayek Böke Reads a Letter from Imprisoned CHP Presidential Candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu

Following her speech, CHP Secretary General and Vice President of Socialist International Women, Selin Sayek Böke, read a letter from Ekrem İmamoğlu, the Republican People’s Party (CHP) presidential candidate currently imprisoned in Silivri.

Böke noted that the letter went “far beyond a greeting or message of solidarity”, stating:

"I will be reading the collective will and voice of the tens of millions determined to end the darkness that seeks to engulf every aspect of life. This voice belongs to the people of Turkey, who are resolute in building a future of democracy, justice, and freedom."

In the letter, İmamoğlu conveyed the following message:

"Dear members of the Socialist International, beloved comrades; welcome to Istanbul.

Unfortunately, I cannot personally greet you with a handshake. But my heart, my will, and my faith are with the friendship and solidarity in this hall. Hosting you in my city is deeply meaningful.

Istanbul has always been a crossroads of cultures throughout history, a city that constantly writes history. A city of those who do not bow to oppression or imposition. A city where the heart of independence, freedom, and great transformations beats.

Great transformations have always existed in Istanbul from the historic May Day gatherings in Taksim, to the Gezi Park resistance, to today’s rallies in Saraçhane and other neighborhoods. Citizens of Istanbul have always raised their voices in the squares, demanding their rights.

Today, we see and hear that voice again in the courage of youth, the resilience of women, and the unyielding conscience of the people.

“They are trying to undermine our municipality’s services to shake the people’s trust in us”

"Today, democracy, equality, and social justice are under heavy attack around the world. Even in countries once thought immune to democratic backsliding, human rights and freedoms are under threat.

In Turkey, years of democratic erosion have culminated in the disregard of the national will: myself, fellow mayors, and many colleagues have been arrested on legally baseless grounds. Just yesterday morning, in yet another operation, many of my close colleagues were detained.

By striking at the services of our municipality, they aim to shake the people’s trust in us. They will never succeed.

As a mayor elected three times by the people of Istanbul and as the presidential candidate of my party chosen in the March 23 nationwide primary with the votes of 15.5 million citizens I am a political prisoner because I have united with millions in demanding democracy and justice. I am imprisoned because millions believe in and trust us, and because our struggle has brought the prospect of change in power so close."

“They can neither take away our resolve for a free and just future nor suppress the will of the people through tyranny”

"In this process an open assault on democracy and an attempted coup against the national will, my university diploma was unlawfully annulled, my home was raided, and our municipalities were besieged with investigations.

These pressures target not only me but everyone who dreams of a freer and more just future. This attack is against democracy, against the will of the people, and against the possibility of fair future elections. It is an attempt to suppress tomorrow’s public will today.

They can neither take away our determination to achieve a free and just future, nor can they suppress the will of the people through tyranny.

In Istanbul, we proved that participatory democracy, an inclusive and unifying approach, and a fair, environmentally conscious, and sustainable city can be built together.

The people have clearly shown that what happened in Istanbul is what they want for all of Turkey. The CHP’s victory as the leading party in the 2024 local elections and the millions who have filled the squares since March 19… This is what the government fears: our innovative political vision and our approaching victory."

“Authoritarian Populist Regimes Threaten Not Only Their Own Countries but Global Peace as Well”

"History teaches us one clear lesson: autocracies are not invincible. They were defeated in the past, and they will be defeated again. The Socialist International knows this well. From Chile to Portugal, from South Africa to Belarus, those who resisted oppression have always stood in solidarity with one another.

Today, in Syria, Ukraine, and Gaza, people are trapped in the grip of war and deprivation. In Gaza in particular, the Palestinian people have not only been stripped of their basic rights, land, and homes, but now, with humanitarian aid blocked, they once again face hunger and death.

Authoritarian populist regimes threaten not only their own countries but also global peace. In response, it is time for those who stand with democracy to raise their voices together and show solidarity."

“Istanbul Is Once Again a Frontline in the Struggle Between Democracy and Authoritarianism”

"On behalf of CHP and the millions who stand for democracy, I thank all defenders of democracy and justice for their solidarity.

Your strong joint statements, your visits to Istanbul as delegations, the banners displayed on your municipal buildings, and the honorary citizenship you have granted me these are not merely symbolic gestures of solidarity; they are the strongest expressions of our shared values.

I am proud to be a member of this family, the Socialist International, of which my party CHP has been a part for nearly half a century.

Istanbul is once again a frontline in the struggle between democracy and authoritarianism. This struggle is between those who defend the rule of law and those who use the law as a weapon against opponents; between those who want to keep democratic institutions alive and those who hollow them out from within; between the will of the people and an oligarchic clique."

"As CHP, we are not only resisting oppression; we are also presenting a concrete vision for the future. As the founding and oldest party of the Republic, and one of the largest social democratic parties in the world, we are working to:

● Rebuild the parliamentary system,

● Ensure gender equality,

● Establish a rights-based social state,

● Create a productive society,

which together will result in sustainable, fair, and inclusive development.

None of these are abstract promises or hollow targets they are concrete realities and policies we have implemented and delivered to the public in the cities we govern."

“As Long as Millions Stand Shoulder to Shoulder for a Better Future, Everything Will Be Beautiful”

"Globally, we are living in an era of great transformations. We are at a historic crossroads. And at this turning point, those who will shape the map of the future are clear: the youth, the women, the workers, the producers in short, the people, all of us.

What we need is visible today in both the theme of the Socialist International Council meeting and in every corner of Turkey.

Turkey resonates with the shared voice of:

● Young people who demand a free future,

● Women resisting the withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention,

● Farmers forming democracy convoys with their tractors,

● Workers seeking justice against inequality.

This voice echoes the unforgettable words of Bertolt Brecht: ‘There is no salvation alone. Either all together, or none of us.’

And we know this: as long as there are millions who amplify this voice, who insist on democracy, defend justice, and show determination to build social justice and development who fight shoulder to shoulder for a better future everything will be beautiful…"

After the letter was read, participants in the hall held up signs reading “Free İmamoğlu.” A short video regarding İmamoğlu’s imprisonment was also screened.

Additionally, folders distributed to the leaders at the meeting included visuals titled:

● “From Diploma Annulment to Imprisonment: Democracy, Popular Will, and the Rule of Law Under Attack in Turkey,”

● “Free İmamoğlu,”

● “Freedom for İmamoğlu, Elections Now,” and

● “The Imprisonment of Ekrem İmamoğlu: A Legal Analysis.”