Today in History – 26 August

“I am still well enough to serve”

CHP President İsmet İnönü began his election campaign from the İnönü District on the 47th anniversary of the Great Offensive on August 26, 1969. Appearing on the stage with CHP General Secretary Bülent Ecevit, İnönü delivered a 50-minute speech. İnönü addressed the criticisms against the demands for a change of order in the party as follows:

The 1961 Constitution sets forth a democratic regime in the ruling of the country. We now strive to undertake great reforms and address the political, social, and economic issue that need improvement, and wee seek to accomplish all that with this democratic regime, by relying on the people.

İnönü denied rumors about his deteriorating health by saying, “I am still well enough to serve you.” İnönü was 85 years old when he initiated the election campaign of 1969.