CHP’s Başarır Urges Kılıçdaroğlu to Back Özel and End Silence on Party Lawsuits

Summary:

CHP Deputy Group Chair Ali Mahir Başarır has publicly called on former party leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu to break his silence over lawsuits targeting the main opposition. Stressing that Özgür Özel is the legitimate leader, Başarır said it was time to close the chapter on internal disputes and focus on Turkey’s real problems such as poverty, unemployment, and justice.

“Özel is the Leader, Kılıçdaroğlu Must Move On”

Speaking to reporters, Başarır emphasized that Özgür Özel is the rightful and active leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP).

“Mr. Özel is successful, hardworking, courageous, and determined. Just like Hikmet Çetin, Murat Karayalçın, and Önder Sav did in the past, Mr. Kılıçdaroğlu should stand behind the party and declare that the lawsuits are over, and that it is time to look forward,” Başarır said.

“Turkey’s Real Agenda is Being Ignored”

Başarır criticized what he described as “baseless, politically-driven lawsuits” distracting the opposition and the country:

• “Turkey has long been consumed with these meaningless trials,” he said.

• “The real issues are poverty, inequality, unemployment, foreign policy, and justice.”

• He pointed out that the hunger threshold has risen to 27,000 lira, while millions of workers and retirees earn well below this level.

Başarır accused the government of deliberately manipulating the agenda to avoid addressing the worsening economic and social situation.

Harsh Words for the Government

The CHP official directly blamed the ruling AKP for undermining democracy:

“Why are you targeting our party? Why cancel our provincial congresses, appoint trustees, and destabilize the markets? This government is forcing the public, workers, farmers, and retirees to pay the price. The CHP is Turkey’s insurance for democracy and the hope of millions. We call on the president and his administration: take your hands off our party, our democracy, and our law.”

Allegations of Kılıçdaroğlu’s Quiet Role

Meanwhile, political speculation has intensified after former Speaker Hikmet Çetin suggested that Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu may be actively lobbying for the annulment of CHP’s 2023 congress, even engaging with President Erdoğan’s inner circle.

According to reports in Elips Haber, Çetin claimed that Kılıçdaroğlu has been in high-level contact and preparing for a possible “absolute nullity” ruling that could overturn the congress results.

If true, these allegations would deepen divisions within CHP at a moment when the party is leading in national polls and faces mounting pressure to present unity ahead of potential early elections.