Özgür Özel Slams Erdoğan: “Turkey Is in a Coup Process”

CHP leader Özgür Özel launched a scathing critique of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, accusing him of political desperation, isolation, and psychological decline. Speaking on Habertürk TV, Özel described Erdoğan’s recent remarks as evidence of a crumbling power structure and claimed Turkey is currently undergoing a “civilian coup process.”

“The President is now alone, weakened, and in a psychologically abandoned state,” said Özel. “Turkey is going through a coup, and it’s being orchestrated from the top.”

Erdoğan’s ‘Three-Party Bloc’ Claim Sparks Controversy

Özel responded sharply to Erdoğan’s statement that AKP, MHP, and DEM Party are united and “will see this process through together.” According to Özel, this declaration is not a show of strength, but a public admission of political loneliness.

“He says ‘we are three: AKP, MHP, and DEM.’ Then DEM immediately denies it. There is no such alliance. This is Erdoğan’s latest attempt to fabricate a new political setup.”

Özel argued that Erdoğan is trying to craft a fictional coalition to regain influence, particularly over Kurdish voters, after failing to attract their support in previous elections.

“He’s trying to look powerful by creating the illusion of a new alliance. But this is not strength—it’s helplessness,” said Özel.

“This Was a Meeting of Desperation”

Labeling Erdoğan’s recent public speeches as acts of political despair, Özel said:

“His vote share has dropped to 29%. The psychological, moral, and numerical superiority is with the opposition. Erdoğan is feeling increasingly weak and isolated.”

Erdoğan’s DEM Remarks Condemned as “Shameless”

Özel also criticized Erdoğan for referencing DEM Party in alliance terms while many of its leaders remain in prison, imprisoned under his administration.

“It’s political misery to claim unity with those whose leaders you’ve jailed. It’s shameless,” he said.

He referenced public denials from DEM co-chairs Pervin Buldan and Tülay Hatimoğulları, who clarified that no such alliance exists with the ruling bloc.

“This Is a Coup Against Democracy”

Turning to Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, Özel said the legal pressures against him amount to a political coup against a democratically elected figure.

“With 15.5 million votes behind him, İmamoğlu is being targeted because Erdoğan fears him as a future rival. This is a disrespect to the people and a judicial coup.”

On Manavgat Corruption Scandal: “We Took Action Immediately”

Regarding the ongoing corruption probe in Manavgat Municipality, Özel acknowledged that a CHP member was implicated. He stated that the party had already taken steps to suspend those involved, including both the former and current mayors.

“We’re ashamed we nominated him. Memberships have been suspended, and three people, including the bribery suspect, have been expelled from the party,” Özel confirmed.

He reiterated CHP’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption, adding that all internal investigations would proceed transparently.

CHP’s Growing Momentum, Strategy Signals

Özel emphasized that public sentiment is shifting in favor of the opposition, with strong turnouts in Bayburt, Konya, and Istanbul. He claimed that CHP is now shaping the political narrative and ready to confront the government’s evolving strategies.

“The squares belong to the people. And the people are demanding change.”