Turkey’s opposition CHP party holds historic rally in Brussels

The central organization of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) held a major rally of the Turkish diaspora in Brussels on Sunday (12, October). According to the organizers, the rally aimed to rally the Turkish diaspora and express solidarity with the mayors and politicians who are in detention in Turkey.

The event, which brought together thousands of participants from various European countries, was held in Jean Rey Square in the city centre.

In his keynote speech, Republican People’s Party Chairman Özgür Özel strongly denounced the AKP government, claiming that “the regime is now operating not for the public interest but for its own selfish interests” and adding that “it is now working for Trump.” His statement was accompanied by sharp criticism of geopolitical and economic partnerships that, in his view, contribute to the erosion of democratic rights.

The rally began with a minute of silence for the dead and the playing of the national anthem. During the event, a letter of solidarity was read from the imprisoned candidate and mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem İmamoğlu, who sent a message from Silivri prison. In addition, messages of support were read from European mayors and local leaders — a sign of international interest that the organizers repeatedly highlighted.

During the speeches, representatives of the People’s Republican Party in Belgium and leaders of European political groups — including Vula Tsetsi, Co-Chair of the European Green Party and Giacomo Filibeck, the Secretary General of the Party of European Socialists — called for the immediate release of the mayors and stressed the need to defend democratic freedoms. İmamoğlu’s letter was read out publicly by the central secretariat, in a symbolic gesture that overshadowed some of the rhetoric of the event.

The event also featured messages of support from mayors of European cities, including Roberto Gualtieri (Rome), Femke Halsema (Amsterdam), Gergely Karácsony (Budapest), Stelios Angeloudis (Thessaloniki), Dominic Fritz (Timișoara), Henriette Reker (Cologne) and others, while the mayor of Brussels Philippe Close participated with a video message.

The agenda of the rally had a dual purpose: internal – to boost the morale of supporters and demonstrate that the opposition remains active despite the persecution of its leaders – and external – to send a message to European institutions and communities that the issue of democracy in Turkey is a European issue. Özgür Özel pointed out the need to reorient Turkey towards Europe, defend social rights and accelerate the prospect of full EU membership, while denouncing practices of “intimidation” and arbitrariness against political opponents.

European local authorities who sent messages stressed the value of local government and the independence of municipal authorities, expressing solidarity with elected mayors under prosecution. The presence and greetings of foreign mayors added an international dimension to the political confrontation reflected in the event.

The Brussels event is expected to serve as a springboard for further international initiatives by the Republican People’s Party and to strengthen communication with the diaspora. Analysts note that such overseas mobilizations test the opposition’s ability to internationalize issues of democracy and justice – a gamble that, if successful, could affect the domestic dynamics in the run-up to future political contests.

Caption: People wave Turkish flags as they attend a rally organized by Turkish opposition party CHP (Turkish Republican Peoples Party) in Brussels, Belgium, 12 October 2025. CHP held its first overseas rally in Brussels addressing Turkish voters. EPA/FREDERIC SIERAKOWSKI