29.05.2026 12:30
The "Kılıçdaroğlu-Özgür Özel" crisis in CHP has spilled over into the greeting ceremony in Karabük. During the event in Safranbolu, party members reacted strongly to Karabük Deputy Cevdet Akay for not openly supporting Özgür Özel and remaining silent on Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's rhetoric.
The "Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu - Özgür Özel" dual leadership crisis within the Republican People's Party came to light with the grassroots' harsh reaction during the Eid greetings programs. Tension rose between party members and Karabük Deputy Cevdet Akay at the traditional Eid greetings ceremonies held in the CHP Karabük Provincial Directorate and Safranbolu.
PROVINCIAL CHAIRMAN EMPHASIZES "UNITY"
The program hosted by CHP Karabük Provincial Chairman Vedat Yaşar was dominated by recent court processes and congress debates within the party. In his opening speech, Provincial Chairman Yaşar argued that there was no issue regarding unity and solidarity within the party, stating that the Karabük organization acts together.
"DON'T YOU HAVE A RESPONSE TO KILIÇDAROĞLU?"
However, the ceremony became tense due to the grassroots' demand for a clear stance on the crisis at the central headquarters. At the event in Safranbolu, some party members criticized Karabük Deputy Cevdet Akay for not making a clear and explicit statement of support for the suspended Özgür Özel. Referring to the rhetoric used by Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu upon his return to duty, an angry party member targeted Deputy Akay and Provincial Chairman Yaşar, saying: "The current chairman in Çankaya (Kılıçdaroğlu) cursed CHP members by favoritism. He said, 'I came here to cleanse the filth.' Don't you have a response to this as a provincial chairman or a deputy? What more could he have said?" Following this outburst, a brief tension occurred between party members and the deputy in the hall.
"I ADHERE TO THE INSTITUTIONAL IDENTITY"
CHP Karabük Deputy Cevdet Akay, the target of the reactions, responded to the criticisms by emphasizing institutional identity. Stating that he is one of the deputies disturbed by this process, Akay defended himself: "I have worked with both chairmanships and worked with all my strength. I have acted in adherence to the institutional identity. I am one of the deputies who did not want this process or to encounter this situation. In these three years, there has been no issue we haven't faced. Many interventions have been attempted within the party."
"WE CONTINUE WITH ÖZGÜR ÖZEL'S VISION"
Safranbolu Mayor Elif Köse, speaking at the same program, displayed a clearer stance unlike the deputy. Köse stated that they are resolutely continuing their work in line with the vision put forward by Özgür Özel, who was suspended by court decision.