19.06.2026 21:10
After the "absolute nullity" decision in the CHP, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who returned to the chair of the general presidency, broke his long silence. Answering questions in a television program he attended, Kılıçdaroğlu spoke for the first time about Ekrem İmamoğlu's "trustee" criticisms directed at him. Saying, "I know the psychological state Ekrem Bey is in. I have no intention of responding to him," Kılıçdaroğlu also stated that İmamoğlu should be tried without detention.
Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who was reinstated as the CHP Chairman after a 2.5-year gap by the court's decision of "absolute nullity," appeared before the public for the first time on Sözcü TV screens. Answering questions from journalists Aslı Kurtuluş Mutlu and Barış Terkoğlu in a program moderated by Senem Toluay Ilgaz, Kılıçdaroğlu made striking remarks regarding the "trustee" criticisms directed at him by the suspended Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.
İMAMOĞLU'S "TRUSTEE" STATEMENTS REMINDED
During the program, Kılıçdaroğlu was asked about Ekrem İmamoğlu's words, "I also condemn the person appointed as a trustee to the head of the main opposition party," used in the IMM trial hearing, and his subsequent statements. İmamoğlu's remarks were seen as a harsh criticism of the management change process within the CHP.
KILIÇDAROĞLU: I KNOW HIS PSYCHOLOGICAL STATE
Stating that he did not want to directly respond to İmamoğlu's statements, Kılıçdaroğlu said, "I know the psychological state Ekrem Bey is in. I have no intention of answering him. The concept of purification is important. The concept of cleanliness is important."
"İMAMOĞLU SHOULD BE TRIED WITHOUT DETENTION"
Replying to a question about Ekrem İmamoğlu, Kılıçdaroğlu answered, "I still say that mayors should be tried without detention. They should be thoroughly investigated, but mayors should be tried without detention until the decisions are finalized."
"Let me express my opinion about İmamoğlu. I visited his home when he was arrested. I made a press statement in front of his door. I say the same today as I said that day.
At the time, I had said, 'We are experiencing a process in a single-man era where one person comes and controls the legislature, judiciary, and executive. Protecting Ekrem Bey and his family is a common duty for all of us.' I stood by these words, and today I still stand by these words," he said.
WHAT HAD İMAMOĞLU SAID?
In his statement during the IMM trial hearing, Ekrem İmamoğlu had said, "I condemn the person appointed as a trustee to the head of the main opposition party, and the political prosecutor. I also condemn the person at the head of the government." These remarks by İmamoğlu were interpreted as a criticism of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu due to the process within the CHP.