07.07.2025 20:32
Former Deputy Chairman Murat Özçelik resigned from the CHP, making harsh criticisms of the party leadership. Özçelik stated that attempts were being made to cover up the mistakes that were even questioned among party members, saying, "The mobilization of party resources around a single name, instead of producing solutions for the people, creates an unacceptable picture."
The internal crisis in the CHP is deepening. Former Deputy Chairman responsible for Foreign Relations and Istanbul Deputy of the 25th Term, Murat Özçelik, resigned from the CHP after making harsh criticisms against the party.
"MISTAKES THAT ARE EVEN QUESTIONED AMONG PARTY MEMBERS ARE BEING COVERED UP"
Özçelik stated that discussions regarding the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, where a 'corruption' investigation is ongoing, cannot be openly discussed within the party, and he deemed it unacceptable for party resources to be mobilized with an understanding shaped around a single name.
Özçelik said, "I believe that the deepening factionalism within the party, the prioritization of personal interests over the needs of the public, and the communication policies that continue despite public criticism are harming both the founding values of the party and the visionary opposition understanding that Turkey needs today. The attempts to cover up mistakes that are even questioned among party members regarding the discussions surrounding the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, and the mobilization of party resources with an understanding shaped around a single name instead of producing solutions for the public, create an unacceptable picture."
"I BELIEVE THAT SOME IRREGULARITIES OCCURRED DURING THE LAST CONGRESS PROCESS"
Murat Özçelik also listed his criticisms regarding the controversial congress process, claiming that many party members witnessed the irregularities.
Özçelik stated, "I believe that some irregularities that cast a shadow on internal operations and democratic principles occurred during the last congress process, which many party members also witnessed. In the face of this situation, seeking new ways to regain the trust of our people has become a necessity. Unfortunately, I no longer believe that the current management understanding and organizational structure of the CHP can be the pioneer of this new search."
Özçelik's statement is as follows:
"PERSONAL INTERESTS HAVE BEEN PRIORITIZED OVER THE NEEDS OF THE PUBLIC"
"As a party member who has held various positions in the Republican People's Party, which is the legacy of our Republic's founder, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, I regret to express that I am deeply disappointed by the developments following the 38th Ordinary Congress.
I believe that the deepening factionalism within the party, the prioritization of personal interests over the needs of the public, and the communication policies that continue despite public criticism have harmed both the founding values of the party and the visionary opposition understanding that Turkey needs today.
"SHADOWS HAVE BEEN CAST ON INTERNAL OPERATIONS AND DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES"
The attempts to cover up mistakes that are even questioned among party members regarding the discussions surrounding the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, and the mobilization of party resources with an understanding shaped around a single name instead of producing solutions for the public, create an unacceptable picture.
On the other hand, I believe that some irregularities that cast a shadow on internal operations and democratic principles occurred, as witnessed by many party members during the last congress process. Such practices not only harm the party's credibility but also clearly show that the leadership maintained by the former chairman, who is likely to return to the party's helm, has not produced significant success and trust in the eyes of the public and party members since 2010.
Turkey is currently facing a complex web of problems ranging from economic crisis to the rule of law, from social polarization to isolation in foreign policy. The exit from this structural crisis environment deepened by the government is only possible with a sincere, determined, and people-oriented political understanding that prioritizes national interests over personal ones.
"SEEKING NEW WAYS HAS BECOME A NECESSITY"
In the face of this situation, it has become a necessity to seek new ways to regain the trust of our people, together with capable, ethical, and highly principled individuals who care about the future of the country. Unfortunately, I no longer believe that the current management understanding and organizational structure of the Republican People's Party can be the pioneer of this new search.
However, my commitment to Atatürk and his principles and revolutions remains eternal. In this context, I resign from my membership in the Republican People's Party."