The Party of European Socialists (PES) stands in full solidarity with the Republican People’s Party (CHP), with Özgür Özel, and with all democratic forces in Türkiye facing growing political repression.
The forced police intervention at the headquarters of CHP is incompatible with democratic norms, political freedoms, and judicial independence. It represents yet another serious attack on political pluralism and the rule of law in Türkiye.
The developments of the past days mark a dangerous escalation and raise serious concerns over the increasing pressure faced by the democratic opposition in the country.
Speaking publicly, Özgür Özel stressed that democratic opposition cannot be removed through intimidation or police pressure, reaffirming the determination of CHP supporters to continue defending democratic institutions and the will of the people. Echoing the mobilisation seen across the country in recent days, he underlined that CHP was built “in the streets and in the squares” and would not be silenced through force or intimidation.
PES President Stefan Löfven said:
“What we are witnessing in Türkiye is not an isolated incident but a deeply worrying pattern of authoritarian escalation. The violent repression of protesters, the use of police force against the opposition and increasing pressure on democratic institutions and civil society are incompatible with democratic standards and the rule of law.Democracy cannot survive when state institutions are weaponised against political opponents. We stand with all those in Türkiye defending freedom, democracy, and justice.“
The PES calls on the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to take concrete measures in response to the increasing authoritarian drift of the Erdoğan regime and to defend democracy, political freedoms, and judicial independence in Türkiye.
Democratic opposition parties must be able to operate freely, without intimidation, politically motivated prosecutions, or police intervention.
