Today in History – 7 October

“I cannot leave the party alone”

Only two years after the Democrat Party came to power in the first free elections of the Turkish Republic, political conduct in the country had toughened and political polarization, which was already palpable before the elections, had become evident.

İnönü’s visit to Manisa on October 7, 1952 thus took place in a tense atmosphere. During his address, a fight broke between proponents of CHP and DP and some were hurt. In his speech, the CHP president insisted that the opposition was trying to be silenced in and out of the Assembly and that DP would spare no efforts to remain the only voice of power. He added that it would be impossible for the institution of politics to function normally under such circumstances.

İnönü announced, with the following words, that no efforts to discourage or intimidate him would prove useful:

I have been greatly pressured to leave my post as the president of the party. However, as long as you trust me and elect me for this position, I will not shy from duty despite any terror I might have to face. During the glory days of this party, I always said I was proud to be presiding over it. I cannot leave it alone now, especially when others are showing teeth. I have served as a commander. I will no abandon my troops in the middle of the battlefield.