CHP Leader Challenges Erdoğan: “Put Canal Istanbul to a Referendum”

CHP Chairperson Özgür Özel issued a strong response to Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu’s recent reaffirmation of the controversial Canal Istanbul project, calling on the government to hold a public referendum in Istanbul.

Speaking at a May Day Labor and Solidarity rally in Kadıköy, Özel cited recent polling data, stating:

“Only one in five Istanbulites say Canal Istanbul ‘might be acceptable.’ Over 80% are opposed. Defending such a project is not governance—it’s a confrontation with the people.”

“If President Erdoğan is confident, let him put the issue to a vote. We’ll defend Istanbul, they can defend the canal. Let’s see who wins at the ballot box,” he added.

Özel: “Workers Say There’s No Salvation Alone”

Earlier in the day, Özel also joined TÜRK-İŞ’s event in Kartal and later appeared alongside union leaders from DİSK, KESK, TTB, and TMMOB at the main gathering in Kadıköy.

Accompanied by CHP Istanbul Chair Özgür Çelik and Vice Chairs Gamze Taşcıer and Gökan Zeybek, Özel addressed laborers from the stage and issued a call for mass unionization:

“I salute all workers in Türkiye. If you’re unorganized, join a union. Unorganized workers are easy prey for exploitation. Organized labor is the only shield against job insecurity and poverty.”

Contradictions Within the Government on Canal Istanbul

Özel criticized conflicting messages from government officials:

• Just days ago, former minister Murat Kurum said the canal was “not on the agenda.”

• In contrast, Uraloğlu stated the project was “never off the table.”

Özel revealed that President Erdoğan and Uraloğlu recently toured the Canal Istanbul route by helicopter on February 27, suggesting the government is pushing forward despite public opposition.

“They’re hiding the truth because they fear public backlash. But now they’ve let it slip,” Özel said. “If they truly believe in this project, let Istanbul vote.”