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Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairperson Ozgur Ozel stated that Türkiye would swiftly become a full member of the European Union under a CHP government, during a rally held in Buyukcekmece, Istanbul.
Addressing the crowd at the "Millet Iradesine Sahip Cikiyor" ("Protecting the National Will") rally organized by his party, Ozel emphasized Türkiye’s European aspirations.
"Under a CHP government, we will rapidly become a full member of the EU," Ozel declared. "We will deliver both a Türkiye without bans and a Europe without visas."
He also noted that he would be traveling to Brussels later that evening to attend a preparatory meeting for the EU Council Leaders Summit, where he would meet with European social democratic leaders, former and current state officials, and ministers.
Ozel added that discussions would focus on Türkiye's interests, including defense procurement.
Ozel said he had arrived at the rally from the Marmara Closed Penal Institution in Silivri and delivered greetings from Hasan Akgun, the Buyukcekmece mayor who was recently removed from office.
He criticized the charges of bribery and corruption brought against Akgun, claiming the accusations involved donations to the Buyukcekmece Basketball team and contractors building schools.
He also spoke about Mehmet Murat Calik, the former Beylikduzu mayor also detained on corruption charges, stating that Calik had concealed his illness even from his party colleagues.
Ozel called for the release of Calik and other detained individuals with health concerns.
Citing recent public opinion surveys, Ozel claimed CHP currently leads over the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), both before and after the distribution of undecided votes.
"CHP is closest to its 41.5% vote share in the 1977 elections," he said. "Now we are above 40%," Ozel claimed.
He challenged President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to hold early elections, asserting: "My candidate is clear. We want the ballot box. Our vote is clear, and your game is clear. If you have the courage, bring the ballot box on Sunday, November 2. I won’t let you sit there with 29%."
Ozel also addressed economic issues, particularly minimum wage and pensions.
"CHP demands a minimum wage of ₺30,205 ($759)," he stated.
"We will either win this interim raise through struggle, or the people will soon send those who deny this raise packing. The midyear raise is our right—we will claim it," Ozel added.
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