Brussels welcomes the CHP: Özgür Özel and the mayors of Eskişehir meet the Turkish diaspora at the major rally of October 12

A historic first for Turkey’s main opposition party abroad — a symbol of democracy, dialogue, and unity with the diaspora.

By Kadir Duran – Bruxelles Korner

A Political and Poetic Call from Europe

Before a vast crowd that had come from Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France and across Europe, Özgür Özel, leader of Turkey’s Republican People’s Party (CHP), delivered in Brussels a deeply political yet fraternal message:
to defend democracy in Turkey, protect imprisoned elected officials, unite democrats “of all stripes,” and recognise the diaspora as a strategic force.

Mixing the poetry of exile with concrete promises for Turks abroad, his address bore the hallmarks of a resolutely European campaign.

At Place Jean Rey, surrounded by a sea of red flags, Özel greeted “democrats from all over Europe” and opened his speech with a poem — a symbolic gesture linking emotion and politics.

“I Want a Homeland” — The Poetic Opening

“I want a homeland.
Where the sky is blue, the branches green, and the fields yellow.
A land of birds and flowers.
I want a homeland.
With no turmoil in the mind and no longing in the heart.
Where even disputes among siblings are met with respect.
I want a homeland.
Whether rich or poor, you or I —
may everyone rest easy through the winter.
I want a homeland.
A life lived with sincerity and love.
And if there is a complaint, let it be only against death.”

This lyrical prelude set the tone: politics as a promise of serenity, equality and social justice — transcending wealth, class and origin.

“The Diaspora Is Not a Spectator — It Is an Actor”

Responding to stereotypes about “Turks in Europe,” Özel underlined their vital role in shaping Turkey’s future:

“You are heroes who have something to say about the future of our country.”

He thanked “all democrats” who came from across the EU, reminding the crowd that the Brussels rally was not merely a gathering but part of a broader movement — the 61st action since 19 March.

“We came here to protest, to make our voices heard, to draw strength from you — and to give you hope.”

Defending the Imprisoned Mayors and Political Prisoners

At the heart of his message was solidarity with Ekrem İmamoğlu, described as the “presidential candidate”, currently “imprisoned for over 200 days.”

He also voiced support for other detained or targeted officials such as Zeydan Karalarand Muhittin Böcek, while warning against new attempts to destabilize Mansur Yavaş:

“Mansur Yavaş is not alone. We are here to defend our candidate — and everyone who is behind bars because of their ideas.”

Brussels, Europe and the Voice of Democracy

Before representatives of European parties — including the Socialist International, the PES, and the Greens — Özel denounced the “silence” of certain partners towards “the conspiracy against democracy” in Turkey.

He accused the ruling power of hypocrisy: seeking international solidarity when under scrutiny, but rejecting it when it concerns the opposition.

“If you are ashamed to hear in Brussels what you are doing in Turkey, it means what you are doing is shameful.”

“Two Currents”: The Clash of Models

Özel contrasted “palatial authoritarianism” and its convoys of privilege with a democratic ideal of “humble leaders and a prosperous people.”
He emphasized that the CHP stood “on the side of Turkey itself, not of any clan,”seeking prosperity, youth employment, and social justice.

“This struggle is not between parties, but between classes — between the oppressor and the oppressed.”

Concrete Promises for Turks Abroad

Beyond principles, Özel outlined a package of tangible measures for the diaspora:

Travel – flexible low-season fares on Brussels–Ankara/Istanbul/Afyon routes, valid year-round;
Vehicles – simplified and safer procedures for temporary car imports from Europe;
Pensions & Employment – removal of barriers preventing retirees from full-time work abroad, and the guarantee of a “halal pension”;
Telecommunications – fairer registration fees for imported mobile phones;
Tax & Data – protection from double taxation and the automatic effects of OECD data exchanges;
Healthcare – effective access to social rights in Turkey for those who “contributed for years with their euros and marks.”

“The state must protect its citizens from double taxation, double insurance and disproportionate penalties.”

Mobilisation: “Breaking the Glass Ceiling”

Recalling the CHP’s recent progress — “38 percent of the vote” and “65 percent of municipalities” — Özel urged the diaspora to take active part in politics and “follow the ballot boxes to the end.”

His goal in Belgium: to break the 16 percent ceiling through unity and the participation of Europe-born youth.

“We will run side by side, arm in arm, all the way to the ballot box.”

Europe and the Path to Full Membership

Özel relayed the support of 87 parties from 79 countries for Turkey’s eventual full EU membership, which he said depends on the restoration of a robust democracy.

He envisioned “a Europe without bans or visas for the youth,” presenting the CHP as a bridge between Ankara and Brussels.

“We will build a brand-new future together. We came to Brussels for solidarity, for morale, and for strength.”

Key Quotes

“Welcome, democrats of Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France and all of Europe.”
“What we are doing here is not a meeting — it is an action.”
“Mansur Yavaş is not alone.”
“This struggle is between the rich and the poor, between the oppressor and the oppressed.”
“We will break the glass ceiling in Belgium.”

A Threefold Message from Brussels

Özgür Özel’s Brussels speech accomplished three things at once:

Europeanised Turkey’s democratic struggle — placing it at the heart of continental public opinion and institutions;
Institutionalised the diaspora as a political, economic and cultural actor, backed by concrete rights — not mere slogans;
Polarised the social models on offer — opposing authoritarian ostentation to democratic modesty focused on equality and purchasing power.

By placing Ekrem İmamoğlu and Mansur Yavaş at the centre of a narrative of institutional resistance, and by linking social promise (wages, pensions, poverty) to European promise (integration, mobility, visa-free travel), Özgür Özel sought to unite democrats “of all sensitivities” — from Brussels squares to Ankara’s ballot boxes.

Retrospective: The CHP Mayors’ Visit to Brussels

Brussels – by Kadir Duran
11 October 2025

On the eve of the “Brussels Democracy Meeting” scheduled for Sunday 12 October 2025 at Place Jean Rey, a delegation of CHP mayors from Turkey met members of the Turkish community living in Belgium.

Held in Schaerbeek — often called Brussels’ “Turkish district” — the event was organised by the CHP Belgium branch, chaired by Derya Bulduk, who hosted a breakfast reception at a local restaurant on Chaussée de Haecht.

Afterwards, the visiting mayors toured the neighbourhood, talking with shopkeepers and residents, before heading to the famous Friday market — nicknamed the “Turkish market” — to greet vendors and visitors.

The delegation included:

Ayşe Ünlüce, Metropolitan Mayor of Eskişehir,
Kazım Kurt, Mayor of Odunpazarı (Eskişehir),
Ahmet Ataç, Mayor of Tepebaşı (Eskişehir).

They used their visit to listen to the concerns of Turkish citizens abroad and invited them to attend Özgür Özel’s major rally the following day.

The mayors’ tour continued across Schaerbeek, Saint-Josse, Anderlecht, Charleroiand the Limburg region, ahead of what would become a landmark event — a living symbol of democratic dialogue between Turkey and its European diaspora.

Özgür Özel’s Arrival in Brussels

Arriving Saturday afternoon at Zaventem Airport as part of his European tour, Özel was greeted by CHP Belgium chair Derya Bulduk and her team, joined by local supporters and dignitaries.

Among them:
Ayşe Ünlüce, Kazım Kurt, Ahmet Ataç, Özkan Yalım (Mayor of Uşak), and businessman Mehmet Kahya, along with hundreds of citizens from Belgium, the Netherlands, France, and Germany.

After attending the Socialist International meeting in Madrid, Özel headed to Brussels for the first international CHP rally, held on Sunday 12 October 2025 at 2 p.m., under the slogan:

“Millet İradesine Sahip Çıkıyor — The People Defend Their Sovereignty.”

“The voice of justice knows no borders! This Sunday we will be in Brussels with our fellow citizens from across Europe. Together we will make our voices heard against injustice — together we will resist, and together we will prevail.”
— Özgür Özel on X (formerly Twitter)

Why Brussels Matters

Choosing Brussels — the political heart of Europe — was no coincidence.
It symbolised the CHP’s determination to broaden its dialogue with the diaspora and bring Turkey’s democratic voice to the international stage.