CHP's Özel Wing Continues Push for Congress Against Kılıçdaroğlu's Stance

A faction within Turkey's Republican People's Party (CHP) continues to demand a party congress, directly opposing party leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's stated intention not to hold one. This group, referred to as the "Özel wing," insists that the decision is not up to Kılıçdaroğlu but is a matter of party bylaws and rules. They claim to have secured enough signatures to formally request a congress.

The faction also voiced strong criticism of Kılıçdaroğlu's perceived acceptance of actions targeting municipal mayors. According to their statement, Kılıçdaroğlu's administration had previously assured mayors of support and protection if they aligned with the party's central leadership. However, the group alleges that mayors were ultimately left to face judicial proceedings, implying a betrayal of trust.

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This is not a matter left to Kemal Bey's discretion. It is a matter of bylaws and rules. We have enough signatures. We will submit our application when the deadline passes.

"This is not a matter left to Kemal Bey's discretion," the Özel wing stated. "It is a matter of bylaws and rules. We have enough signatures. We will submit our application when the deadline passes." They further accused Kılıçdaroğlu's leadership of abandoning their colleagues to the "Palace judiciary," highlighting a deep rift within the party over its direction and leadership.

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They were telling our friends, 'If you stand by the General Headquarters and give a photo, we will protect you.' They showed that they would leave our friends to the Palace judiciary.