09.06.2026 15:30
Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, speaking to his supporters at the General Headquarters in the shadow of the dual leadership crisis in the CHP, issued a 'congress' ultimatum. Emphasizing that he has no desire for a seat and will definitely hold a virtuous congress, Kılıçdaroğlu said, "Of course, you will elect our chairman with your virtuous votes. No one will engage in secret deals behind closed doors, and dollars will not be thrown around in the air."
The mystery of "Who will speak at the group meeting?" which has gripped Turkey for days in the Republican People's Party came to an end as the leaders took the stage at two separate addresses. While Özgür Özel addressed the deputies at the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu met with his supporters at the Party Headquarters.
THE PARTY IS SPLIT IN TWO
The administration and podium crisis that erupted in the Republican People's Party (CHP) following court rulings created a rare political scene in Ankara. The days-long debate over "Who will speak at the group meeting in the Parliament?" resulted in the party appearing effectively divided into two. Özgür Özel addressed the MPs in the group meeting hall at the TBMM, calling for an 'early convention,' while Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu spoke to his own supporters at the CHP Headquarters at the same time.
A MESSAGE OF PURIFICATION FROM KILIÇDAROĞLU
Taking the stage prepared at the Headquarters, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu targeted allegations of corruption within the party and the convention debates. Frequently emphasizing "purification" in his speech, Kılıçdaroğlu drew attention to the party's core values and delivered strong messages.
Kılıçdaroğlu said, "There is no money, profit, or interest in CHP conventions," emphasizing the moral foundation of intra-party competition.
"I WILL CONVENE THE CONVENTION"
Giving a very clear signal that individuals whose names were associated with bribery and money allegations during the previous convention process would be expelled from the party, Kılıçdaroğlu argued that his real goal was not the seat but to restore his party's credibility.
Reiterating that he would personally convene the convention, Kılıçdaroğlu used the following striking words in his speech:
"I have no concern for the seat. I will convene the convention. We will surely hold a moral and virtuous convention. You will certainly elect our leader with your virtuous votes. No one will make private bargains behind closed doors, and dollars will not be tossed into the air."