Şahali: If the Ceremony Doesn’t Reflect Our Traditions, We Won’t Take Part

Stressing that there has been no change in their stance, Şahali said: “What we said yesterday, we are saying again today: we do not advocate a return to the people.”

Speaking to Özlem Çimendal on TV2020, Şahali stated: “If a ceremony that does not align with our traditions is held, we have clearly said that we cannot conform to such an event. If we are confronted with a situation we find objectionable, we will not be a part of it. What matters is legislative activity.”

“CTP Is Ready to Assume Power”

Şahali responded to questions regarding the new Parliament and Presidency buildings by reiterating, “What we said yesterday, we are saying again today: we do not advocate a return to the people.” He continued, “At present, our duty is to be the only opposition party represented in Parliament. Some may have moved Parliament to another place, but that’s not why we are staying behind in the old building. We have never taken a stance of not being present in the location where legislative activity takes place. If legislative activity is to continue in the new building, then we will be there as well.”

He emphasized that the CTP is ready to take over the administration and underlined that they are continuing to work with energy and commitment to fulfill their responsibilities. “Just because the new building doesn’t meet our preferences does not mean we will stay away from it. We never considered withdrawing from the legislative process,” Şahali said, once again rejecting any notion of returning to the people.

“Hospitals Are Inadequate, Children Study in Barracks—There Was No Need for New Buildings”

Şahali stated: “There aren’t enough beds or rooms in our hospitals, and our children are forced to study in barracks. Under these circumstances, even if they were gifts, there was no need for a new Parliament or Presidency building.” He continued, “Those who cannot muster the courage to speak the truth to the authorities may have submitted to this system, but we are here to transform it.” He reiterated their opposition to the construction of the new buildings. “We opposed the construction of those buildings, but they were built anyway. To now ignore them would require a very different decision, and we made it clear a long time ago that we wouldn’t be making such a decision,” he said.

He added that they would not change their stance just because the buildings are new and emphasized that they would fulfill their responsibilities. Şahali pointed out that any ceremony held in this country must comply with the nation’s laws and traditions, criticizing the import of what he called “packaged ceremonies.”

“If the Ceremony Doesn’t Reflect Our Traditions, We Won’t Take Part”

Şahali remarked: “We’ve never before seen prayers included in opening ceremonies. In secular states, prayers are only part of religious ceremonies. We’ve taken a very clear stance on this.” He continued, “The Foreign Ministry has a protocol office. If the building being inaugurated is the Parliament or Presidency, then it is that office that should organize the ceremony. If a ceremony is held that does not comply with the regulations or our traditions, we have said clearly that we will not take part in it.” He emphasized again that if they encounter a situation they find inappropriate, they will not be part of it.

“What’s important is the legislative process,” Şahali added. “That process must be conducted according to the needs of the people. The credibility of Parliament in the eyes of the citizens is not determined by the building itself, but by the work conducted within it. We need to know who we are, and in committees and the general assembly, we must ensure that the people feel their most pressing needs are being addressed. The current government doesn’t have the slightest focus on the needs of the people.”

“This Government Relies on Ankara, Not the Will of the People”

Şahali noted a sensitivity in certain circles as if the new complex were “not for the whole country,” saying: “There is a sentiment that it is a gift from the Republic of Turkey, a legacy from the Republic of Turkey.” He also commented on the recent visit to Ankara by the government, pointing out that even the UBP Parliamentary Group Leader learned of the visit from the media. “If the Group Leader doesn’t know about the visit to Ankara, then this cannot have been a planned working trip,” Şahali said.

“This government holds together only because Ankara supports it. It is a fractured government. It is not functioning. None of the components that make up this government prioritize the needs of the people. Their only concern is remaining in power. They have no hesitation in compromising themselves to keep the government going. This government can only function by leaning on Ankara. It is a government assembled by Ankara on order,” Şahali said, recalling the words of Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu, who had stated during the formation of the government: “Ankara wants to work not with Faiz Sucuoğlu, but with Ünal Üstel.”