Ozgur Ozel Targets Mehmet Simsek: “Financial Arm of the March 19 Coup”

CHP leader Ozgur Ozel launched a sharp attack on Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek, accusing him of justifying economic failures with external factors such as war and oil prices. Speaking at a rally in Nevsehir, Ozel argued that the current economic management cannot deliver results under any circumstances and renewed his call for early elections.

Strong Criticism at Nevsehir Rally

Republican People’s Party (CHP) Chairman Ozgur Ozel delivered a series of hard-hitting remarks at the party’s “Defending the National Will” rally in Nevsehir.

Ozel directed his criticism at both the government and economic leadership, focusing particularly on Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek.

Rejects “War” Explanation for Inflation

Ozel dismissed Simsek’s recent comments that rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions could push inflation and other macroeconomic targets off track.

“Now they say inflation is rising because of war,” Ozel said, arguing that economic mismanagement, not external shocks, is the primary cause of current problems.

“Financial Arm of the March 19 Coup”

Referring to the March 19 detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, Ozel accused Simsek of being complicit in what he described as a political operation.

“Do you know who this is? This is the financial arm of the March 19 coup,” Ozel said, adding that the government is passing the cost of political concerns onto citizens.

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Call for Release of Imamoglu

Ozel also called for a shift to trial without detention and demanded the release of Imamoglu and others involved in the case.

He argued that the accusations against Imamoglu lacked credibility and reflected political motives rather than legal substance.

Rule of Law and Governance Concerns

The CHP leader criticized the broader legal environment, saying that weakening rule of law and judicial independence are undermining economic stability.

He argued that without legal certainty, it is impossible to restore investor confidence or improve economic performance.

Economic Criticism: Farmers and Pensioners

Ozel highlighted what he described as imbalances in economic policy:

Agriculture Support

• Support to agriculture in the first two months: 2 billion lira
• Interest payments: 640 billion lira

He said the government is prioritizing financial costs over productive sectors.

Pension Incomes

• Pension purchasing power has sharply declined
• Minimum pensions that once bought eight gold coins now buy less than two

Ozel pledged to raise pensions to at least the level of the minimum wage.

Promises for Nevsehir

Ozel also outlined local economic commitments:

• Completion of a ring road project within one year of a change in government
• Measures to ensure tourism revenues benefit local businesses

He criticized policies that, he said, favor large corporations over small enterprises.

Renewed Call for Elections

Ozel reiterated his call for early elections, arguing that political change is necessary to address economic problems.

“You will either call early elections or go down in history as a leader who avoided the ballot,” he said.

He added that interim wage increases for workers and pensioners are also urgently needed.

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