Özgür Özel, the leader of Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), said earlier Thursday that he had a surprise announcement to make, which turned out to be a symbolic protest against the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, drawing ridicule and criticism as an ineffective political gesture amid the country’s deepening cost of living crisis.
The CHP leader unveiled the symbolic campaign at a public event in southern Mersin province, urging citizens to carry “red cards,” in a symbolic reference to red cards shown by referees in football games to expel players violating rules, and to display them in protest of Erdoğan’s policies.
Özel described the initiative as a call to action for citizens, particularly retirees and minimum-wage earners, to pressure the government into calling early elections.
“From now on, keep a red card in your pocket and show it whenever you face low wages or high prices,” Özel said during the Mersin event. “This government will go, and we will bring the people’s government to power.”
The campaign draws on Turkey’s struggling economy, where inflation has eroded purchasing power, leaving many unable to afford basic necessities. Özel cited statistics comparing the value of pensions and wages under Erdoğan’s administration, claiming retirees could afford far fewer gold coins now than when Erdoğan first came to power.
However, the initiative has sparked backlash online, with many likening it to a trivial gesture unbefitting the country’s serious challenges.
Critics called it “juvenile,” comparing it to the antics of a schoolboy rather than a political leader. Others sarcastically suggested that Erdoğan’s government might now “hold an emergency meeting to dissolve itself” in response to the protest, emphasizing its perceived futility.
“At a time when Turkey faces an economic crisis, soaring inflation and authoritarian governance, this is the best the opposition can offer?” one user wrote on social media. “Symbolism without substance only erodes trust in the opposition.”
Others mocked the initiative as trivializing the electorate’s concerns. “Carry a red card in your pocket? What’s next, blowing whistles?” wrote another user, calling the protest an insult to voters’ intelligence.
The criticism added to growing concerns about Özel’s leadership since he assumed the CHP chairmanship in 2023. Analysts and party members alike have accused Özel of failing to challenge Erdoğan meaningfully and instead focusing on publicity stunts, such as selling produce at markets or cutting cheese at a festival, which critics argue undermine his credibility.
Özgür Özel, Kars’ta gravyer peyniri keserken görüntülendi pic.twitter.com/OtdZqQ6zAz
— GaGa (@GaGa_Haber) January 4, 2025
The controversy over the red card protest reflects broader challenges facing the CHP. Despite a strong showing in local elections, including unseating Erdoğan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in several metropolitan areas, the party has struggled to present a cohesive national strategy.
Observers point to Özel’s perceived closeness to Erdoğan as a significant obstacle. In May 2024 Özel met with Erdoğan at AKP headquarters, breaking with his predecessor’s policy of boycotting the president over his authoritarian policies. Photos of the meeting, which emphasized Erdoğan’s superior position, further fueled accusations that Özel had been co-opted by Erdoğan.
Under Özel’s leadership, the CHP has also been criticized for adopting ultranationalist positions that align with Erdoğan’s government on foreign policy and for failing to adequately defend key opposition figures, such as İstanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who faces a politically charged ban from running for office.