Özgür Özel Slams Erdoğan’s New Peace Initiative: “This Is About AKP’s Survival, Not Turkey’s Interests”

CHP leader Özgür Özel has criticized the Erdoğan government’s proposed ‘Terror-Free Turkey’ initiative, saying it serves the political interests of the ruling AKP rather than the country. He also pushed back against framing the process as a coalition between AKP, MHP, and the pro-Kurdish DEM Party, warning that the approach could sabotage genuine reconciliation efforts.

Özel Accuses Erdoğan of Politicizing the Peace Process

Speaking to Medyascope, CHP Chairman Özgür Özel condemned President Erdoğan’s recent attempt to present the newly proposed Kurdish peace initiative as a joint endeavor involving AKP, MHP, and the DEM Party.

“This is not about Turkey’s interests — it’s a tactical move to help the AKP find a way out,” Özel stated. “Such a selfish approach damages the process, and no one is foolish enough to fall for it. Everyone sees through this.”

“He Tried to Market It as a Political Alliance”

Özel argued that Erdoğan attempted to portray the process as a de facto political alliance during the AKP’s Kızılcahamam camp, only to face immediate backlash:

“While Erdoğan promised big surprises, he came out and said, ‘We’ve decided to walk this path with MHP and DEM.’ He tried to spin it as an alliance. After backlash from across society and clarifications from DEM Party officials, they had to quietly remove the statement from the official text — yet he repeated the same idea during his closing speech.”

CHP Will Not Be Complicit in a Double Standard

Özel made it clear that CHP’s engagement is based on democratic principles, not political maneuvering:

“We support any sincere process that aims to solve Turkey’s problems democratically. But we refuse to be part of a game where Kurdish politicians are criminalized, while Erdoğan negotiates behind closed doors.”

He pointed out the hypocrisy of arresting former DEM politicians now running on CHP platforms, including two CHP mayors currently in prison, while simultaneously claiming to seek peace.

“They call it ‘urban consensus,’ then turn around and jail our mayors and bureaucrats. This contradiction is unacceptable.”

Erdoğan Wants a Political Lifeline, Not Peace

According to Özel, Erdoğan’s main objective is to secure political support, not to genuinely reconcile with Kurdish actors:

“He’s not seeking national consensus — he’s searching for a political escape route. That’s why we continue to raise objections, even as we maintain our will to contribute positively to any legitimate peace initiative.”

Özel also criticized ongoing negotiations with Abdullah Öcalan while simultaneously detaining individuals involved in “urban reconciliation” initiatives.

İmamoğlu Still Targeted Behind the Scenes

Özel revealed that Erdoğan and his allies are pressuring opposition figures to step away from Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu:

“Through intermediaries and informal channels, we constantly hear demands like ‘Step back from İmamoğlu’ or ‘Stop the rallies.’ It’s clear they want to weaken him politically — but we will not comply.”

“We Accept the Same Treatment Erdoğan Got”

Özel emphasized that the goal of CHP’s ongoing rallies is not to evade justice, but to ensure that İmamoğlu and other imprisoned politicians are tried fairly and without pretrial detention.

“Erdoğan himself was never arrested, never detained until a sentence was finalized. We’re not asking for privileges — just the same legal treatment he once received.”

Surprise Poll Results: CHP Takes the Lead

During a mass rally in Trabzon under the slogan “The Nation Defends Its Will”, Özgür Özel revealed the results of a confidential July poll commissioned by the CHP:

“In all major polls last month, we were ahead. The AKP fell below 30% for the first time. And now, in the most accurate July survey — based on 15,000 participants — CHP has moved another 0.5 points forward. The AKP has dropped to 28.4%, and belief in Ekrem İmamoğlu keeps rising.”

Full Poll Breakdown: CHP 40.6% After Undecided Voters Distributed

The July poll conducted for CHP Headquarters showed the following results:

• Before distribution of undecided voters:

  • CHP: 33.8%

  • AKP: 28.4%

• After distribution:

  • CHP: 40.6%

  • AKP: 34.2%

  • DEM Party: 6.7%

  • MHP: 5.7%

  • Victory Party: 3.5%

  • IYI Party: 2.5%

  • New Welfare Party: 2.3%

  • Anahtar Party: 2.0%

These results, Özel stated, demonstrate that CHP’s message is resonating, while the AKP is losing ground despite its efforts to dominate the narrative.

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