Turkish President and AKP leader Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a strong warning to CHP leader Özgür Özel during the Expanded Provincial Chairs Meeting of his party on February 26, 2025. In a speech filled with sharp rhetoric, Erdoğan not only threatened Özel over his recent criticism of the military but also made a striking remark suggesting that he intends to stay in power until his death.
A Direct Threat to Özel
During his speech, Erdoğan directly addressed Özgür Özel, saying:
“Mr. Özel, I am speaking to you as the Commander-in-Chief. Watch your step. If you don’t, we know how to make you. You have no right or authority to speak against the military’s command structure. Know your place.”
This remark came in response to Özel’s earlier statements regarding the Turkish Armed Forces’ dismissal of five officers who had publicly declared, “We are Mustafa Kemal’s soldiers.” Özel had accused certain high-ranking military officials of being politically motivated in their actions, specifically naming Chief of the Land Forces Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu and Chief of the Naval Forces Ercüment Tatlıoğlu. He further alleged that these commanders had engaged in internal power struggles and psychological pressure tactics to push for the officers’ expulsions.
Erdoğan, in turn, defended the military leadership and announced that National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, along with top military commanders, would be filing a lawsuit against Özel. His comments marked yet another episode in the ongoing political tensions between the ruling AKP and the main opposition CHP.
A Clear Signal of Political Permanence
Beyond his attack on Özel, Erdoğan also made a statement that strongly implied his intent to remain in power indefinitely. Addressing his party members, he declared:
“We are not destined to sit in these seats forever, as we have come here by the will of the people. When the divine decree comes to pass, we will return to the black earth.”
This remark, referencing “Emrihak”—a religious term meaning the divine command of death—suggests that Erdoğan envisions no political retirement, with his rule continuing until his passing. The statement has fueled speculation that he sees no end to his leadership except through natural causes, reinforcing concerns about the country’s democratic trajectory.
Political Reactions and Rising Tensions
Erdoğan’s comments have intensified an already heated political climate in Turkey. Over the past two decades, critics have accused Erdoğan of gradually dismantling democratic institutions, undermining judicial independence, and suppressing opposition voices. His latest remarks only add to the perception that he sees his rule as permanent.
Many analysts view Erdoğan’s comments as part of a broader strategy to intimidate political opponents ahead of potential electoral contests. The president has a history of using harsh rhetoric against opposition leaders, portraying them as threats to national stability.
Furthermore, Erdoğan’s remarks about remaining in power until his death may be aimed at reinforcing his authority within his own party. The AKP has recently faced internal challenges, with some former allies voicing concerns over governance and policy direction. By making such a definitive statement, Erdoğan sends a clear message that he is not considering retirement.
What’s Next?
Erdoğan’s latest speech leaves little doubt that he intends to stay at the helm for as long as possible. His warning to Özel is not just a political attack—it is a declaration of intent, signaling that he sees no alternative to his rule except for the inevitable passage of time and fate itself.
