On Thursday, April 18, the Republican People’s Party’s (CHP) Chairman Özgür Özel gave a speech at Bilkent. The event, organized by Sosyal Demokrasi Kulübü, filled the Bilkent Concert Hall with students, staff and faculty members. Mr. Özel shared his reflections on economics and current political issues as well as on the previous elections.
In his remarks, Mr. Özel stated that the country’s most profound survival problem is that well-educated young people are making plans to leave Turkey for other countries. He stated:
“The survival problem of this country is that three out of every four young people have packed their suitcases in their minds. In more than five surveys, 62 to 78 percent of young people say, “If I can, I want to go abroad, settle and live there.” Unfortunately, the brilliant young people of this country, those who are well-educated or who have not been able to benefit from the equal opportunities they deserve, are leaving. We knew and know how to repel those dreams. The real problem of a country is when it’s young people dream of other countries.”
After his speech, Mr. Özel gracefully answered the audience’s questions.
