AKP's Şamil Tayyar: CHP should split into 40 pieces; you won't win the next election without fixing the economy

Former AK Party lawmaker and writer Şamil Tayyar has sharply criticized his own party's potential move to accept a politician facing corruption allegations. Tayyar expressed dismay at the prospect of bringing Kilis Mayor Hakan Bilecen, who is reportedly set to join the AK Party from the main opposition CHP, into the fold.

"We spend days discussing corruption programs, and then you expect to bring in a figure expected to be targeted by an operation?" Tayyar questioned, directing his remarks at President Erdoğan. "If you do this, you cannot explain it to the public." He asserted that his comments were aimed at disrupting potential political maneuvering, stating, "No one should be offended, I am saying this to disrupt the games of those in between."

Speaking on TGRT Haber, Tayyar also commented on CHP leader Özgür Özel's recent rally in Tokat, acknowledging that Özel is consolidating his base. However, Tayyar stressed that the nation's primary focus is the economy. "The public's priority agenda, number one, is the economy, my friend," he stated.

Tayyar issued a stark warning to his party, suggesting the CHP should fracture. "Let the CHP split into 40 pieces. I say it loud and clear: Let the CHP split into 40 pieces, let them form 40 separate parties, let someone lead each one; if you don't fix this economy, you will absolutely not win the next election, I swear," he declared. He cautioned against complacency, reminding the AK Party that public support, which has kept them in power for 24 years since 2002, is not a given. "The public's vote is not guaranteed in anyone's pocket. It's not a sure thing. They shouldn't look at it that way. You can't joke with the public. We have seen what happens to those who want to joke in the past."