29.10.2026 23:51
CHP General Coordinator Gürsel Tekin answered journalists' questions at the Turkish Press Federation's "Anadolu Sohbetleri" program. Tekin said, "We worked with Mr. Özgür Özel for a long time. I never said anything bad to him. If he apologizes for the words he used against Mr. Kılıçdaroğlu, he can return to CHP."
CHP General Coordinator Gürsel Tekin answered questions of interest on the "Anatolian Conversations" program of the Turkey Press Federation, moderated by journalist Sinan Burhan. Tekin made statements on many issues, from new party debates to presidential candidacy, from the balances in the İBB Council to foreign policy, and made a noteworthy call to New Party General Chairman Özgür Özel.
"WE HAVE A PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE; IT WILL BE ANNOUNCED WHEN THE DAY COMES"
Arguing that CHP is prepared on the issue of presidential candidacy, Tekin said, "The Republican People's Party already has a well-equipped and experienced presidential candidate who can win the trust of the nation. When the day comes, this name will be announced by our General Chairman. Is the new party taking off? I cannot know who the new party's candidate would be, and I do not see such an intention in Mr. Özgür either."
WARNING ABOUT THE PEOPLE'S ALLIANCE FOR THE İBB COUNCIL
Also touching on the political balances in the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Council, Tekin stated that after resignations and reinstatements, the number of members in the council had come quite close to each other. Stating that this situation could create the risk of the council deputy speakership passing to the People's Alliance, Tekin said they would continue to provide support to protect the municipalities won by CHP.
Tekin said, "From the day we came, despite all kinds of malice, we have given all kinds of support unconditionally and without demands for the preservation of the municipalities won by the Republican People's Party, including districts. Now it was not us, but the new party that said 'let's separate.' I do not know what picture will emerge in the coming days, but when there is an election, despite everything, we will continue our support for the continuation of the municipality in the province we won."
"IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT THOSE WHO SAY 'NULLITY ADMINISTRATION' SAY"
Tekin also reacted to the descriptions of the CHP administration as "Nullity Administration" and "Absolute Administration," arguing that the discussions within the party were based on irregularities he claimed occurred in convention and congress processes.
Claiming that some people intervened with delegates in exchange for money, Tekin asserted that they had documents on the matter.
Tekin said, "They call us 'Nullity Administration' or 'Absolute Administration.' It is the contractor gangs who settle delegates with money that brought this matter to this point. Therefore, what they say has no importance at all. If they trust themselves, let them stop pressuring the press and come before us with their documents on whatever screen they want."
"I SUPPORT THE TERROR-FREE TURKEY PROCESS TO THE END"
Evaluating the "Terror-Free Turkey" process, which began with the call of MHP General Chairman Devlet Bahçeli, Tekin emphasized that the solution to the terrorism issue should be kept above political calculations.
Stating that he had supported the process from the beginning, Tekin said, "I am a person who congratulated Mr. Bahçeli when he first made this statement. In 2008, I said, 'This problem cannot be solved without CHP and MHP,' and I was right. Today, the effort of the government, the MHP, and the CHP in this direction is very important and should be carried out even faster. I support the process to the end."
"NATIONAL ISSUES SHOULD NOT BE MADE INTO DOMESTIC POLITICAL MATERIAL"
Also making assessments on foreign policy, Tekin said that issues such as the Mecca Alliance, the Badr Alliance, and the Maritime Jurisdiction Areas Agreement signed with Libya should be considered independently of party politics.
Stating that Turkey's interests in the international arena must be defended under all circumstances, Tekin said, "We are very clear in foreign policy; whatever our country's interests require, we support it to the end, regardless of who is in power. Turkey is a country that demonstrates its power beyond its borders from the Middle East to Africa; these initiatives are extremely right in terms of national interest."
"THERE ARE 7-8 MILLION DRUG ADDICTS IN TURKEY"
Arguing that one of the biggest problems Turkey faces is drug use, Tekin said that along with the economic crisis, poverty, and unemployment, the fight against addiction should also be a priority agenda item.
Claiming that there are 7 to 8 million drug addicts in Turkey, Tekin stated that this problem directly affects millions of families.
Tekin said, "There are 7 to 8 million drug addicts across Turkey. When the families of addicts are also taken into account, this figure means that an average of 20 million citizens are directly struggling with this problem. However, this situation is not brought to the agenda sufficiently either in the press or in politics."
Stating that more comprehensive steps should be taken in the fight against drugs, Tekin argued that the problem has reached serious dimensions in all 81 provinces of Turkey.