Former CHP Secretary General Sav: 'Regretting support for Kılıçdaroğlu would be impolite'

Former Republican People's Party (CHP) Secretary General Önder Sav has broken his silence following remarks made by Justice and Development Party (AKP) official Savcı Sayan about Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. Sayan's comments, made at the funeral of Olcay Baykal, wife of former CHP leader Deniz Baykal, targeted Kılıçdaroğlu's past decisions.

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If I say 'I did not regret it' now, it would be very impolite indeed.

Sav stated that the circumstances 16 years ago, when he supported Kılıçdaroğlu's rise to party leadership despite opposition from within the party leadership, were different from today. He acknowledged that in the chaotic environment following Deniz Baykal's resignation, finding a way forward was necessary. As secretary general, Sav saw merit in Kılıçdaroğlu becoming leader, even though most Central Executive Board members favored Baykal.

However, Sav expressed that looking at Kılıçdaroğlu's actions, especially after the recent "absolute nullity" decision, saying he does not regret his past support would be inappropriate. This sentiment reflects a shift in his perspective based on subsequent events.

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You would not obey Önder Sav.

Sayan's initial remarks to Kılıçdaroğlu at the funeral suggested that if Kılıçdaroğlu had heeded his advice on the night he dropped off Baykal, the subsequent events might have been avoided. Sayan implied Kılıçdaroğlu should not have followed Önder Sav's counsel. Sav, in response, clarified that Sayan's comments suggested he had spoken with Kılıçdaroğlu before his leadership bid and had warned him, advising him to step aside for Baykal to return, with the expectation that the party would later make Kılıçdaroğlu leader.

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16 years ago, after Mr. Baykal's resignation, in that chaotic environment, of course, a way out had to be sought. As the secretary general, even though nearly all of our Central Executive Board members wanted Mr. Baykal, I saw merit in Mr. Kılıçdaroğlu becoming the general chairman.