CHP leader Özgür Özel denounces mass arrests and security clamp‑down ahead of NATO summit

CHP Parliamentary Group Chairman Özgür Özel addressed a large gathering in Eskişehir, linking the city’s municipal management model to how he wants Turkey to be run. He praised CHP‑run municipalities for continuing public services despite governmental pressure and inaugurated the Dr. Nurten‑Lütfü Yüksel Alzheimer Centre, noting its capacity of 41 rooms and 108 beds.

Turning to national issues, Özel condemned the extraordinary security measures surrounding the NATO Leaders’ Summit in Ankara, describing the situation as “a paranoid, extraordinary state”. He reported that 225 homes were raided, 178 people detained and an additional 100 arrests made, saying “pre‑emptive arrests” have no legal basis in Turkish law. He accused the ruling AK Party of being “finished” and warned that the government cannot protect Turkey’s national interests.

Özel also criticized Turkey’s foreign‑policy dependence on the United States, specifically President Donald Trump’s visit, and called for a more independent stance toward NATO, Russia and China. He reiterated the CHP’s commitment to a legal, political and physical fight to regain power.