Kılıçdaroğlu calls for party 'cleansing' amid leadership battle and corruption claims

Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the chairman of Turkey's Republican People's Party (CHP), has issued a strong call for internal purification following a court ruling that declared a previous leadership election null and void. This decision has deepened the ongoing political turmoil within the party, particularly concerning the leadership contest.

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They are afraid because I will carry out the cleansing. The party needs to be cleansed of pollution.

Speaking out after returning to his role as chairman, Kılıçdaroğlu directed sharp criticism towards the faction led by Özgür Özel. "They are afraid because I will carry out the cleansing," Kılıçdaroğlu stated. "The party needs to be cleansed of pollution." He implied that his opponents fear his intentions to reform the party and remove corrupt elements.

Kılıçdaroğlu also touched upon corruption and bribery investigations involving CHP-affiliated municipalities. He claimed that confessions have been made by individuals involved in bribery, citing specific instances where money transfers were traced. "The people who gave the money are confessing to these things themselves," he asserted, questioning why such cases are not being thoroughly investigated.

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Confessions are being made. The people who gave the money are confessing to these things themselves.

Addressing the path forward, Kılıçdaroğlu indicated that an ordinary party congress, not an extraordinary one, would be held. He suggested that if a specific legal appeal is withdrawn, the congress could take place within four to five months. He emphasized the need for new delegate elections, arguing that using the old delegates, whose election was annulled due to irregularities, would lead to further legal challenges and party exhaustion.

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If the appeal at the Court of Cassation is withdrawn, we can hold the ordinary congress in 4-5 months at the latest.