Özgür Özel Emphasizes Press Freedom and Economy

Party Chairman Özgür Özel drew attention to Turkey's position trailing behind other countries in the press freedom index, emphasizing that economic recovery will not be possible without establishing freedom of the press and expression, as well as impartial courts.

Party Chairman Özgür Özel stated that Turkey ranks 163rd out of 180 countries in the press freedom index. Stating that Turkey is in a worse situation than Sudan, Iraq, Tajikistan, and Bangladesh and is competing with North Korea, Özel expressed that the real problem lies in this picture.

Touching upon the effects of fund emphasis in the country on the economy, Özgür Özel stated that economic recovery would be easier in the presence of democracy and freedoms. Pointing out that the impartiality of courts along with freedom of the press and expression are prerequisites for the improvement of the economy, Özel called for ensuring social justice in income and taxes, as well as establishing an independent judiciary and free media order.