Kılıçdaroğlu Appoints New MYK, Including Former Rival's Supporter

Following his appointment as the leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP) by court order, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has revealed his new Central Executive Committee (MYK). The list, announced by new party spokesperson Müslim Sarı, includes former CHP Balıkesir Deputy Tahsin Tarhan, who has been assigned the role of Deputy Chairman for Industry and Trade Policies.

Tarhan expressed his commitment to the party, stating, "People were needed who could bring the two sides together and defend the party. That's why I took on responsibility in this process." He also shared that Kılıçdaroğlu told him, "We need honest people like you, elders of the party."

Notably, Tarhan's past social media posts reveal strong praise for Özgür Özel, who was elected CHP leader following a party congress that Kılıçdaroğlu's appointment effectively overturned. After Özel's election, Tarhan posted, "Our comrade Özgür Özel was elected the 8th Chairman of the Republican People's Party... The Hundred-Year-Old Plane tree is in safe hands, the struggle for Law-Law-Justice continues. The Republican People's Party is entrusted to a revolutionary loyal to Atatürk's Principles and Revolutions; a leader who loves the Republic, adores Turkey, Özgür."

Tarhan's earlier statements lauded Özel as a voice for the marginalized, including miners, workers, farmers, students, pensioners, and journalists. He described Özel as a comrade dedicated to secularism, social justice, and democracy. Tarhan has continued to congratulate Özel on subsequent congresses via social media, underscoring a complex political dynamic within the party following the leadership change.