Özgür Özel responds to Erdoğan in Rize: 'Politics is not won through transfers'
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YENİ Party leader Özgür Özel visited Rize on August 22, 2026, as part of his Black Sea tour. He responded to President Erdoğan's invitation to Marmaris Mayor Acar Ünlü by saying politics is won through work, not transfers. Özel also recalled the party's first thematic rally in Rize three years ago.
Key Facts
- Özgür Özel visited Rize on August 22, 2026, as the second stop of his Black Sea tour.
- Özel responded to Erdoğan's invitation to Marmaris Mayor Acar Ünlü by saying 'Politics is not won through transfers'.
- Özel recalled that the first thematic rally of the party was held in Rize three years ago.
- Özel was welcomed in Rize with anzer honey and Rize simit.
Rize Visit
Özgür Özel arrived in Rize on August 22, 2026, after visiting Trabzon the previous day. He was greeted with anzer honey and Rize simit, then walked along Atatürk Street, visiting shopkeepers and taking photos with residents. Özel expressed satisfaction with the warm reception, noting Rize's symbolic importance as the hometown of former Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz and President Erdoğan.
Response to Erdoğan
During his speech, Özel addressed Erdoğan's remark to Marmaris Mayor Acar Ünlü, who had welcomed the president, that 'our door is open if you want to join our party'. Özel said he would tell the AKP-elected mayor of Rize only 'Congratulations, mayor', emphasizing respect for voters' choices. He stated that politics is won through work, not through transfers of mayors or cities.
Party History
Özel recalled that three years ago, after a major election defeat, the party adopted the slogan 'If the party changes, the country changes' and first changed the party itself. The first thematic rally was held in Rize, where the square was filled with both CHP members and Rize residents. Özel said the party was founded together and is not only the party of CHP members but of all democrats and the Black Sea region.
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Özgür Özel responds to Erdoğan in Rize: 'Politics is not won through transfers'
