31.05.2026 10:40
Former CHP Balıkesir Deputy Mehmet Tüm, who was temporarily appointed to the Party Assembly by a court ruling, stated that the CHP must initiate the congress process without delay, saying, 'It is not possible for me to take part in the new Central Executive Board or any other assignment. Because what is needed today is not new positions, but to rebuild common sense, solidarity, and the spirit of unity.'
A striking statement came from Mehmet Tüm, one of the Party Assembly (PM) members who will return to duty along with Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu after the cancellation of CHP's 38th Ordinary Convention and the 'absolute nullity' decision.
"IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO TAKE PART IN ANY ASSIGNMENT"
Stating that the internal debates in the party have led to a serious division and announcing that he will not accept any position, Tüm noted the following:
"For approximately 35 years, I have been an advocate of social democracy, organized struggle, and intra-party democracy. Throughout my political life, I have never been the politician of any group, faction, or individual. I have always defended the will of the organization, primaries, and the right of members to speak.
The Republican People's Party has given me the greatest honors of my political life. I became a deputy through a primary election, and I was elected to the Party Assembly four times at different conventions by the free will of our delegates, without being part of any list. I have always seen this as a result of our party's democratic culture.
"CHP IS EXPERIENCING A SERIOUS DIVISION IN THE SHADOW OF INTERNAL DEBATES"
Even in the most difficult periods of our party, our only concern has been to preserve the institutional identity of CHP and the hope of social opposition. However, at the point we have reached today, our party is experiencing a serious division in the shadow of internal debates. This situation harms not only our party but also Turkey's struggle for democracy.
Under these circumstances, I do not find it right to be in any position that would make me a party to the divisions in our party. Therefore, it is not possible for me to take part in the newly formed Central Executive Board or any assignment. Because what is needed today is not new positions, but to rebuild common sense, solidarity, and the spirit of unity.
"THE TRUE OWNER OF CHP IS ITS ORGANIZATION, ITS MEMBERS, AND THE MILLIONS WHO ARE DEVOTED TO IT"
All components of the Republican People's Party should come together on a common ground of struggle, and should grow unity rather than polarization. The expectation of our people is a strong CHP that produces solutions to their problems, inspires confidence, and expands the goal of governance. Therefore, our party should promptly initiate the convention process, appeal to the will of the organization, and conclude all debates on a democratic basis. Because the true owner of CHP is its organization, its members, and the millions who are devoted to it."