[Tufan Erhürman – File Photo]
Following the illegal opening of Parliament, Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Chairman Tufan Erhürman issued a statement declaring, “This Parliament has no place for those who do not respect its laws“, Yeniduzen reported. He criticised the current administration, calling it unfit to lead, adding, “Their heads are buried in the sand; all they see is a seat and a car“.
Erhürman condemned the government’s symbolic “opening” of Parliament, asserting it did not adhere to legal procedures. He explained that while the CTP will nominate a presidential candidate, the deputy speaker nominee will be selected only after the presidential election, as per protocol. Erhürman highlighted that the government has failed to lawfully elect a Speaker, attempting unsuccessfully over 15 rounds, and that Ziya Öztürkler was elected Speaker in violation of the law, with three invalid votes. He pointed out that the government’s stance has been indifferent to the people’s needs, marked by a lengthy, unproductive group meeting within the ruling party.
Erhürman described Ziya Öztürk’s role as Speaker as illegitimate, pointing out that the administration had already attempted to place three other individuals in the role before Öztürk. According to Erhürman, such actions demonstrate the government’s attempt to mask its own inadequacies and lack of vision for governance.
The situation, he warned, would likely repeat on Monday, stressing that the ruling members have shown no real interest in Parliament’s function, even suggesting they find the structure itself unnecessary. He made it clear that neither opposition MPs nor the public would tolerate this stance. With the decline in public services like healthcare and education becoming increasingly evident, Erhürman said the current actions are “completely unacceptable“.
Addressing the shaken credibility of both Parliament and its MPs, Erhürman urged that blame not be placed indiscriminately on all members, noting that the CTP is committed to upholding the role of Parliament. He reiterated, “There is no room in this Parliament for those who flout its laws“. Erhürman closed by vowing that any disrespect shown to the institution would not go unanswered and expressed confidence that the people will support efforts to protect the integrity of Parliament.
