Özgür Özel Calls for Global Democratic Mobilization Against Authoritarianism

Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel called for a global “democratic mobilization” against authoritarianism during a high-profile progressive summit in Barcelona, while also sharply criticizing recent legal actions targeting opposition municipalities in Türkiye.

Özel urges united front against authoritarianism

Özgür Özel addressed more than 4,000 politicians, activists, academics and union representatives at the “Global Progressive Mobilization” meeting held in Barcelona on April 17–18.

In his speech, Özel called for stronger international coordination among progressive forces, declaring:

“What we need are progressives who empower each other. That will is in this room. We are declaring a mobilization together — a mobilization against authoritarianism that undermines institutions, rules and democracy.”

He emphasized that the initiative aims to defend democratic institutions and rebuild rule-based governance systems worldwide.

Reference to Türkiye and recent political tensions

Özel pointed to Türkiye as an example of both democratic success and ongoing political pressure.

Referring to the opposition’s victory in the last local elections, he said:

“We succeeded in Türkiye during the last local elections. However, we have since faced a heavy backlash.”

He criticized the imprisonment of Ekrem İmamoğlu, arguing that it represented an attempt to undermine future electoral outcomes.

Özel added that opposition forces have been mobilizing for over a year to defend the popular will.

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“Türkiye Alliance” as domestic response

Özel framed the opposition’s strategy as a broad-based democratic coalition:

“The framework of this mobilization in our country is the ‘Türkiye Alliance,’ bringing together all democrats.”

He also referenced a widely used opposition slogan:

“There is no salvation alone — either all together or none of us.”

International meetings and diplomacy

During his visit to Spain, Özel also held talks with Pedro Sánchez.

The meeting took place within the framework of gatherings organized by the Socialist International and the Party of European Socialists.

Reaction to Ataşehir operation

Özel strongly criticized the detention of Onursal Adıgüzel, describing the timing and method of the operation as politically motivated.

He questioned the use of late-night detentions:

“Those who promised to end dawn raids are now knocking on doors late at night.”

Özel argued that such actions were intended to damage reputations and intimidate opposition figures, claiming they carried symbolic and political messages beyond legal proceedings.

Allegations of broader crackdown on municipalities

The CHP leader said recent operations targeting opposition-run municipalities were part of a broader pattern.

He suggested that:

• Investigations were timed deliberately
• Targets were politically selected
• Legal processes were being used as tools of pressure

Özel also questioned the substance of accusations against Adıgüzel, noting that the mayor had limited involvement in large-scale tenders due to budget constraints.

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Call for global solidarity and peace

Özel concluded his speech with a broader message of international solidarity, extending greetings to civilians affected by conflicts in multiple regions, including:

• Palestine
• Ukraine
• Iran

He ended with a call for peace:

“No to war — peace now.”