Ahmet Hakan Coşkun's surprising article on Kılıçdaroğlu

Ahmet Hakan Coşkun, editor-in-chief of the pro-government Hürriyet newspaper, has penned a critical piece on Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, whose return to the CHP leadership is contingent on a court decision declaring the previous process "absolutely void."

Coşkun contends that Kılıçdaroğlu has not leveraged the CHP's base, lawmakers, or party organization during this period. Instead, his sole reliance has been on the court's ruling, which Coşkun deems insufficient for political maneuvering. The columnist highlighted Kılıçdaroğlu's failure to mount a strong defense against severe accusations, noting that he has not even been able to assert, "I am not the ruling party's man."

In his analysis, Coşkun outlined several reasons why Kılıçdaroğlu's current approach is untenable. He stated that Kılıçdaroğlu has not articulated a claim of being the one to defeat Erdoğan, nor has he leaned on the party's grassroots, deputies, or organization, relying instead solely on the court's decision. Furthermore, Coşkun criticized Kılıçdaroğlu's inability to manage the post-ruling process effectively, leaving a significant vacuum that allowed for a "show" orchestrated by others.

Coşkun also pointed out Kılıçdaroğlu's silence, drawing parallels to his quietude over the past three years. The columnist expressed disappointment that Kılıçdaroğlu has not contested the outcome of the party congress, which he claims was taken from him through "fraud, deceit, and money." Coşkun concluded that Kılıçdaroğlu has been observing events from a distance for three years, a period he believes is ample for planning and strategy, yet has resulted in a significant failure.