CHP Deputy Chairman accuses ruling party of 'backdoor' attempts to control opposition

The Republican People's Party (CHP) is facing alleged attempts by the ruling administration to undermine its influence, according to CHP Deputy Chairman Gökan Zeybek. Speaking at a Bayram gathering, Zeybek accused the government of trying to bring the CHP under its control through "backdoor" transfers, a tactic he claims has been employed repeatedly since 2002.

Zeybek referenced historical instances where the ruling party allegedly incorporated figures from other political factions, including Ertuğrul Günay, Erkan Mumcu, Mehmet Ağar, Süleyman Soylu, Numan Kurtulmuş, Devlet Bahçeli, Doğu Perinçek, and the Democratic Left Party, to consolidate its power. He stated that the current "palace" administration is attempting a similar strategy with the CHP in anticipation of future elections.

Despite alleged pressures, including judicial operations against CHP mayors and officials, Zeybek asserted that the CHP has consistently remained Turkey's leading party for 114 weeks, as indicated by various polls. He emphasized the party's resilience and its commitment to its current leadership, particularly Chairman Özgür Özel, whom he described as having the confidence to step down if he cannot win an election.

Zeybek announced that the CHP's highest decision-making body, the Party Council, will convene to decide on holding an extraordinary congress. He expressed confidence that Özgür Özel would be re-elected as chairman, underscoring the loyalty of the party's parliamentary group and the majority of the Party Council to Özel. Zeybek concluded by stating that the "voice of the street cannot be escaped" and that the judiciary is now under the government's control.