CHP Draws Clear Line on Constitutional Debate Emphasizing unity, Rule of Law and Republic’s Core Values

In a strong and unambiguous statement, CHP (Republican People’s Party) Chairman Özgür Özel has made it clear that his party will not be participating in any constitutional debates, drawing a firm boundary around the core principles of the Turkish Republic.

Speaking to journalists following Friday prayers at Ulu Cami in Ankara’s Kahramankazan district, Özel addressed the recent developments around a parliamentary commission convened by TBMM (Grand National Assembly) Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş. The Speaker had invited MPs to attend the first meeting of the new commission on August 5.

Özel stressed that the commission was formed at the Speaker’s invitation and noted that the Speaker has no voting rights. He also pointed out that the commission reflects the proportional strength of each political party in Parliament. While reiterating that the CHP supports consensus and democratic processes, he took a firm stance: “We will never be part of any constitutional debate.”

Guardians of the Republic

Özel didn’t hold back in criticizing recent controversial statements, including those from international figures and from within the ruling AKP. He dismissed what he called “nonsensical” and “inconsistent” remarks, notably citing a U.S. ambassador and President Erdoğan’s divisive language during a recent speech.

Asserting his own heritage as a descendant of Balkan immigrants, Özel reinforced his vision of a unified Turkey that embraces all identities—Turkish, Kurdish, Laz, Circassian, and more. “We are the defenders of the Republic’s unshakable values,” he said. “Not only would we never allow its foundational pillars to be weakened, we won’t even let anyone hammer a single nail into them.”

A Vision for Peace and Prosperity

The CHP, according to Özel, is focused on unity and peace. “If Turks and Kurds join hands today like they did 100 years ago, both will thrive,” he declared, underlining that solidarity among all ethnic groups is key to Turkey’s future prosperity. He envisions a country free of poverty, unemployment, and restrictions—a country that is part of the European Union and offers its youth a life without borders or bans.

Özel reiterated his party’s priorities: investing in people, in development, and in social welfare rather than in conflict. He also dismissed President Erdoğan’s repeated attempts to form new alliances, saying the CHP’s only alliance is the “Turkey Alliance”—an inclusive front of democrats, defenders of the ballot box, opponents of coups, and all who stand loyal to Atatürk and the national flag.

Closing his remarks, Özel wished success to the parliamentary commission, while making it unmistakably clear that the CHP will never be complicit in any process that compromises the foundational values of the Turkish Republic.

The Ongoing “Peace Process” Agenda and the Kurdish Issue in Turkey

Özel’s firm stance comes amid renewed political discourse surrounding a so-called “peace process” or “no terror process” in Turkey—an initiative framed as a pathway to national reconciliation, especially regarding the so-called Kurdish issue, which has allegedly been a central and unresolved challenge for decades. Often surfacing around election cycles, such initiatives aim to address grievances related to cultural rights, political representation, and regional inequality. However, skepticism remains high. Many in the opposition, including the CHP, view the timing and framing of the current discourse as politically motivated rather than rooted in genuine democratic reform. Özel’s comments reflect a deep caution against using the Kurdish issue as a bargaining chip for constitutional change or electoral gain, emphasizing unity under the rule of law and protection of the Republic’s core values instead.