Özgür Özel Rallies Bayburt in the Rain: “We Will Win the Mid-Year Wage Hike by Force if Necessary”

In a powerful and symbolic rally held under heavy rain, CHP leader Özgür Özel addressed thousands in Bayburt, traditionally seen as a stronghold of the ruling AKP. The rally marked the 10th stop in CHP’s “Defend the National Will” series, which also calls for the release of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who has now been imprisoned for 87 days.

Bayburt No Longer Belongs to the AKP, Says Özel

“This is no longer AKP’s fortress. Bayburt now belongs to the people,” declared Özgür Özel. Speaking passionately under umbrellas and storm clouds, Özel drew attention to both Turkey’s economic crisis and the political imprisonment of opposition figures.

“Bayburt showed this government great loyalty, but that loyalty was not returned,” he said. “We are here to make Bayburt’s voice heard across Turkey.”

Sharp Critique of Economic Management

Özel lambasted the government’s failure to raise wages in the face of soaring inflation. “They promised four raises a year. We’ve seen none,” he said. “Come July, either the government grants a mid-year minimum wage hike and a flat raise for retirees, or we’ll take this fight to every city square.”

Referring to Ecevit-era pensions, Özel noted: “In those days, the minimum pension was worth eight quarter gold coins. Today, it’s been reduced to a mere shadow of its value. Pensioners deserve better.”

“We Will Not Be Silenced on Palestine or Trump”

Özel also condemned Israel’s assault on Gaza and lashed out at the Turkish government’s silence over Donald Trump’s recent remarks, where the former U.S. President reportedly suggested turning Gaza into a seaside resort with casinos.

“It’s shameful,” said Özel. “Fifty thousand Palestinians—mostly women and children—have been killed, and this government dares not confront Trump. We demand not only condemnation of Israel’s attacks, but also a strong stance against Trump’s inhumane vision for Gaza.”

Fear of Regional War and Nuclear Risk

Expressing concern over Iran’s retaliatory strikes on Israel and the risk of escalation, Özel warned: “There is real fear of nuclear fallout and a new war near our borders. President Erdoğan must stand up—not just to Israel, but to Trump as well. Tell him: Stop spilling Muslim blood.”

Support for Workers, Civil Servants, and Victims of Injustice

Özel voiced strong support for public sector workers, unions, and victims of past government purges. He declared solidarity with labor unions threatening to strike, stating, “We are rock-solid behind you.”

He also highlighted the plight of:

• Purged civil servants (KHK victims),

• Unappointed teachers,

• Internship and apprenticeship victims.

“These are people who were punished for actions they had no control over. Those truly loyal to this nation follow only two Mustafas: the Prophet Muhammad and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. All other paths lead to ruin,” said Özel.

Imamoğlu’s Message from Prison: “We Will Rise Again”

A letter sent by Ekrem İmamoğlu from his cell in Silivri was read aloud by CHP Bayburt Chair Haktan Yücel. Imamoğlu wrote:

“Bayburt knows tyranny but never bows to it. They are trying to silence the voice of the people. But do not despair—we will rise again.”

Özel renewed his challenge to the ruling party: “Erdoğan, I dare you—broadcast Imamoğlu’s trial live on TRT. Let the people see the truth.”

Rain-Soaked Resistance

Despite the downpour, the Bayburt crowd stood firm, chanting for justice and economic dignity. “This square today belongs to workers and retirees demanding their mid-year raise,” Özel proclaimed. “We will win it—even if we have to rip it from their hands.”

In a symbolic gesture, CHP lawmakers unfurled a massive “Freedom for İmamoğlu” banner over the Çoruh River bridge, marking a historic moment in a province where the CHP hadn’t held a rally in 14 years.

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