Details of meeting between Erdogan and Ozel, main opposition leader – Analyses by experts
Turkish media is supposed to have obtained most details of the 95-minute meeting between CHP Chairman Ozgur Ozel and AK Party Chairman Tayyip Erdogan. According to information obtained, Ozel left the meeting feeling ‘optimistic’. It was reported that Ozel also did not approve of the seating arrangement. On the other hand, it was learned that Erdogan would also make a return visit to the CHP.
According to information obtained from CHP sources by PolitikYol, while the Erdogan-Ozel meeting passed in an extremely positive atmosphere, it was learned that all agendas were thoroughly discussed.
OZEL LEFT THE MEETING WITH AN OPTIMISTIC IMPRESSION
Sources stated that the meeting could be considered ‘productive’ from the perspective of the Republican People’s Party and that Chairman Ozel left the meeting ‘optimistic about making progress on solving citizens’ problems’.
The same sources conveyed that Ozel was pleased with the appointment being given at the Justice and Development Party Headquarters and expressed gratitude to Hasan Dogan, the Head of the Private Office, and President Erdogan for their hospitality.
OZEL DID NOT APPROVE OF THE SEATING ARRANGEMENT
However, sources stated that Ozel did not approve of the seating arrangement and conveyed that there was a need for compensation. They further reported that upon this, President Erdogan turned to Hasan Dogan, Head of the Private Office, and said that a return visit to the Republican People’s Party Headquarters should be made as soon as possible. It was noted that Ozel also expressed satisfaction with the visit to the Republican People’s Party.
BOTH POLITICIANS GAVE EACH OTHER PRESENTS
Ozel presented Erdogan with an object named “Cumhuriyet Atesi” (Fire of Reublic) from Pasabahce’s “Gururla” (with pride) series. “Cumhuriyet Atesi” is known as a work inspired by the words of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk addressed to Sadi Irmak, one of the young representatives of the Republic sent to Europe, “We send you as sparks, you must return as blazing flames.” Ozel also brought mesir paste from the International Mesir Paste Festival in Manisa as a gift.
ANALYSES BY EXPERTS
According to commentators’ hearsay and analyses regarding the meeting, Erdogan (undoubtedly considering his own benefit first and foremost) is scheming how he can improve his relationship with the CHP in a positive direction. Therefore, it is noted that he is said to have shown Ozel a very moderate approach regarding topics brought to the table by Ozel. However, it is debatable how much of these will materialize into reality – in other words, to what extent Erdogan would tolerate for them to be put into effect.
Undoubtedly, Erdogan is aware of his defeat in the local elections and is in search of how to compensate for it. Some commentators use the following expression: “Erdogan has been adept at maneuvering and even coming out on top in seemingly hopeless and negative situations before. In this regard, it is crucial for Ozel to act cautiously and not fall for such games. Fine political performance is required here.”
Therefore, if no unforeseen setbacks occur at the moment, this dialogue may continue to develop in the coming days, even favorably for Turkey.
