Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has hinted at the possibility of expanding the six-party Nation Alliance.
“None of us, no CHP member, should lose hope. We are responsible for guiding Türkiye towards a brighter future, even in the most difficult circumstances. It is not just about six parties. If necessary, I am ready to bring together 16 parties to lead Türkiye toward the light,” Kılıçdaroğlu proclaimed at his party’s group meeting on June 20.
After the devasting defeat the opposition suffered at the hand of Erdogan and allies, Kilicdaroglu’s position as party leader came under threat, with a concerted media campaign in the opposition press calling for his resignation. Istanbul mayor Imamoglu made it clear that he wants to run the party to bring about change. However after several meetings between leaders, there seems to be an agreement for Kilicdaroglu to manage the transition to a new leadership and hand over the presidency potentially to Imamoglu after March 2024 local elections.
Kılıçdaroğlu’s speech was eagerly anticipated as it followed calls for change within the party initiated by Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, reports Hurriyet Daily News.
Despite the focus on internal transformation, the CHP leader highlighted the significance of retaining control of the Istanbul Municipality.
“Istanbul is of paramount importance to us and the world. They are still wondering how they can take Istanbul away from us. However, there is no reason to worry,” Kılıçdaroğlu assured party members.
For his part, İmamoğlu, a staunch advocate for change, reiterated his message during a protocol signing ceremony for a new subway route in Istanbul, acknowledging past mistakes and incomplete efforts within the party.
“I have been clear about the need for change. We have failures and incompleteness, which led us to lose elections,” İmamoğlu asserted.
When questioned about the fate of the Istanbul Municipality should he pursue the CHP leadership, the mayor previously responded, “We will consider Istanbul, Ankara, Türkiye and the future. However, this issue is not solely about Istanbul.”
Regarding Imamoglu’s strategy to challenge Kilicdaroglu, opposition daily Cumhuriyet wrote:
Last week, remarkable statements came from İmamoğlu and Özel, who brought up the demand for “change” in the CHP. Making a statement to noted journalist and YouTube influencer Fatih Altaylı yesterday, İmamoğlu said, “The way to fix disappointment is to change a leader?” “No such thing came out of my mouth. We can’t pretend nothing happened. If a change in the chairman is necessary, that should also be included in the debate” he said.
“The change does not have to end tomorrow,” İmamoğlu said, “A calendar ought to be set during this process and everything proceeds according to this calendar, befitting the CHP. The chairman should manage the process with dignity. Finally, he hands over the post to someone. I think it will pave the way for a change.”
The other potential contender for the party throne, parliamentary whip Mr Ozgur Ozel commented, “I do not have a candidacy announcement for today.”
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