Historic First for Turkey’s Main Opposition Party CHP: Major Rally Held in Brussels

The main opposition party in Türkiye, Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi (CHP), made history by organizing its first-ever overseas rally in Brussels, the capital of European Union. The rally, part of the ongoing “Millet İradesine Sahip Çıkıyor” (Defending the Will of the People) campaign, called for freedom for Ekrem İmamoğlu and early elections in Türkiye.

A Historic First Abroad

The 61st rally of the “Defending the Will of the People” movement took place in Brussels, marking the first time in Türkiye’s history that a political party has organized an open-air rally abroad. The location was strategically chosen to amplify the message of justice and freedom to the international community.

CHP emphasized that holding the event in the EU capital would bring their struggle for rights and democracy onto the global stage.

Weeks of Preparation

Preparations began weeks in advance through CHP’s Overseas Organization Coordination. A six-member delegation arrived in Brussels to organize the logistics, from security and banners to stage design and public mobilization.

The rally was held at Jean Rey Square, named after the European Commission’s former president, adding symbolic weight to the event.

Thousands Gathered from Across Europe

The square was surrounded by “Free İmamoğlu” banners. Unlike domestic rallies that use party buses, this time a stage was set up. Thousands of Turkish citizens arrived with flags and signs, joined by Belgian locals and participants from Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, and Denmark.

Youth at the Forefront

CHP Youth organized a “youth cortege” marching from Rogier 29 Boulevard to the rally area, chanting slogans in Turkish and English. One participant dressed as Pikachu, a symbol of earlier protests, drew widespread attention and became a viral image of the event.

International Support

Ten European mayors, including those from Rome, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Budapest, Frankfurt and Cologne, sent letters of solidarity. Philippe Close, the Mayor of Brussels, shared a video message supporting the cause.

Global Political Figures Take the Stage

CHP Belgium Representative Derya Bulduk opened the rally, followed by speeches from European Green Party Co-Chair Vula Tsetsi, Party of European Socialists Secretary General Giacomo Filibeck, and MEP Dario Nardella. All emphasized their support for democratic freedoms and called for İmamoğlu’s release.

Banners, Slogans, and Defiance

The rally was marked by a sea of multilingual banners in Turkish, English, German, and French. Messages like “We Will Not Be Silent,” “Freedom for İmamoğlu,” and “Justice for All” echoed through Jean Rey Square, symbolizing a united call for democratic rights.

This rally in Brussels not only made political history for CHP but also amplified a message of justice, democracy, and freedom to the world.

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