Faik Öztrak elected CHP Group Chairman amid internal party concerns

Faik Öztrak has been elected as the new Group Chairman of Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP). The election took place during a meeting chaired by Kılıçdaroğlu, who was appointed to his position by an "absolute nullity" decision.

The race for Group Chairman saw Faik Öztrak and Gürsel Erol competing. However, Erol withdrew in the third round, leading to Öztrak's election. Following the vote, Erol issued a statement thanking his supporters among the party's lawmakers.

Erol voiced significant concerns regarding the current state of internal party politics. He stated, "Unfortunately, it is common knowledge that monopolization has occurred in party politics recently." Erol stressed that the CHP, with its 103-year history and foundation in democracy, should prioritize the free will of its deputies in internal elections.

"I believe that the will of no General Chairman or any political center should override the preferences of the deputies," Erol wrote. He emphasized that the party's strength lies in its "free will, pluralistic structure, and democratic tradition," asserting that the CHP's culture is based on "collective wisdom, not a single voice." Erol concluded by stating that the party's return to power depends on cadres who speak with courage and support the organization's will, not on a culture of subservience.