HP 4th Congress Held: Özersay Re-Elected as President

The congress took place at the Near East University (NEU) Conference Hall, where the election of the party leader and the new party assembly was held, alongside amendments to the party's constitution.

Kudret Özersay, the sole candidate for the leadership, was re-elected as the General President of the People's Party.

In his speech at the 4th Ordinary Congress, Özersay reflected on the past two years and shared his party's future vision. He emphasized that the People's Party has conducted effective opposition, stating, “Today, we may have resigned from parliament, but we continue to be the people's representatives.”

Özersay discussed the party's tangible achievements, including raising public pressure on various issues, such as the problems with social security medications, illegal traffic fines, biased transportation permits, and fake diplomas. He particularly highlighted the fake diploma scandal, noting the dismissal of many senior public officials, saying, “We did this not out of personal animosity but for the safety and sense of justice of the people.”

“Our Goal Is Not Just Opposition, But Power”

In his speech, Özersay also stressed that the People's Party was not just formed to be an opposition force but to govern the country. “We want to be part of a legitimate government, not a government of appointments or fake governments,” he stated.

“A Third Way Is Possible”

Regarding the Cyprus issue, Özersay rejected being caught between two solutions: a two-state or federal solution. He said, “A third way is possible. With an evolutionary model, a cooperative, peaceful solution with a recognized state is achievable,” highlighting the visionary approach of his party.

“Changes to the Constitution, Increased Youth and Female Representation”

During the congress, Özersay also announced amendments to the party's constitution, including the addition of vice-presidents and a party spokesperson to the constitution. He expressed his satisfaction with the increase in youth and female representation, noting that six new district leaders had been elected, three of whom were women.

“We Will Continue Stronger”

Özersay concluded his speech by saying, “We have worked hard in these two years but have never gotten tired because we work with love for our country.” He predicted that the People's Party would be in government by the next congress and promised, “Until that day, we will continue stronger. Let others continue to watch us.”

Following Özersay’s speech, the Secretary-General of the People's Party, Turgut Alas, took the stage.

In his speech at the 4th Ordinary Congress, Alas emphasized that the People's Party has endured despite all challenges and continued on its path without deviating from its core values.

Alas highlighted the party's restructuring process and the struggles over the past two years, saying, “The People's Party was said to be closed and finished, but we shut our ears to that and restructured. This party carries not just nine years of history, but ninety years of struggle, with a spirit that never gives up.”

Alas also underscored that the party continues to be the voice of the people, stating, “The future of this country is the People's Party. We are a political party that speaks the truth without fear, and we represent people with free minds and consciences.”

Alas pointed out that HP has played an active role in opposition, sharing a quote from a citizen: “There is a main opposition in this country, but the People's Party is the father of the opposition,” highlighting how this shows the party is on the right path.

Referring to the party’s activities, Alas mentioned that in the past two years, the party participated in nearly 250 TV programs, conducted 101 visits, and issued 307 press releases to inform the public. He criticized the current administration, saying, “We have had to fill the void left by those running the country. We are being ruled by those who would even take advantage of a rotten trap, and we must fight this organized evil.”

In the new period, Alas stated the party would engage more with regions they have not been able to reach, responding to public calls for visits. “We will continue to work together to grow this movement,” he said.

Concluding his speech, Alas thanked those who had served in the party previously and wished success to all candidates for the new period.