29.05.2026 20:10
Former SHP Chairman Murat Karayalçın commented on the process following the "absolute nullity" decision in CHP. Stating that the CHP should hold a congress as soon as possible, Karayalçın noted that he was saddened by Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's recent attitude. Regarding a potential purge process, Karayalçın said, "Party unity is important. We should have our red lines. But if there is a purge, if a sign of purge is seen, then a new party should be considered."
Former leader of the Social Democratic People's Party (SHP), Murat Karayalçın, made evaluations regarding the appeal court's decision on "absolute nullity."
Karayalçın, who called on party executives and the organization, stated, "Our party executives and members must listen to statements that ensure the party's unity. They should be part of those actions and heed the voice of the street. On Sunday, an extraordinary march took place between the headquarters and the Turkish Grand National Assembly, covering a distance of seven to eight kilometers. The people of Ankara delivered a powerful message. Through their actions, slogans, attitudes, and the affection they showed, they demonstrated what the organization and party executives should do. Our party executives and members need to listen to the street and receive this message."
"I CALLED KILIÇDAROĞLU BUT COULD NOT REACH HIM" Karayalçın noted that he tried to call Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who was appointed as the interim leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP) following the appeal court's decision, but could not reach him, and described the process as follows: "On Sunday, I attempted to meet with him, but unfortunately, it did not happen. Even before the nullity decision on May 21, many party members had urged me to talk to both parties. On Friday evening, May 22, at a very late hour, I first spoke with our Chairman Özgür Özel. I told him about these suggestions being made. I said, 'I would like to step in and contribute if you and Mr. Kemal find it appropriate.' Mr. Özgür replied, 'You are our former chairman, I think you would be very helpful.' I intended to speak with Mr. Kılıçdaroğlu on Monday. However, I woke up early on Sunday, turned on the TV, and suddenly saw those horrific scenes. Some people I did not recognize were attacking right and left in front of the party, shaking the iron bars and garden gate. I then thought I needed to talk to Mr. Kılıçdaroğlu immediately. I called him using the number I always use, but unfortunately, I could not reach him."
"A CONGRESS MUST BE HELD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE" Murat Karayalçın conveyed what he would have said if he had reached Kılıçdaroğlu: "I would have said this as a solution: There has been a debate for a few days about the most appropriate time for a congress in CHP. Those close to Mr. Kılıçdaroğlu say 'the most appropriate time,' while some of us, including myself, say 'not at the most appropriate time, but as soon as possible.' Because this absolute nullity decision is unacceptable. I believe it is unconstitutional. As many politicians as you know in Turkey, we all engaged in politics with the credentials issued by the Supreme Election Council (YSK). The YSK gave us our credentials. Turkey is a country that has been very successful in election law, despite all the negativity. But unfortunately, the YSK was sidelined. The judiciary eliminated the election judiciary. Therefore, this is not acceptable or valid. Of course, it is an official decision. So we will comply, and we are complying. In fact, Mr. Özgür Özel, by filing lawsuits, objecting, and being elected as group chairman, has already shown his acceptance of the consequences of this official decision. But this is an unjust and wrong decision. The only way to overcome this is to hold a congress as soon as possible. There is no other way. We are not a party that can be turned upside down by the decision of a few judges. According to both the Law on Political Parties and our own bylaws, how changes in leadership should occur is clear."
"CAN SUCH JUSTICE EXIST?" Karayalçın also stated that he sees the possibility of a "snap election." In response to the question, "If an election is conducted with Kılıçdaroğlu, would it be a fair election? Would it be a fair, proper election meeting the minimum requirements of democracy?" Karayalçın answered as follows:
"There is nothing about what is being done that aligns with the requirements of democracy. How can the CHP congress be changed by the decision of a few judges? Can such justice exist? Can such injustice exist? Isn't this a sin? Moreover, if you are going to do this, couldn't you wait two days, brother? What are these plastic bullets, tear gas bombs, and cutting of iron bars? AFAD teams arrived, police teams arrived. What is happening? Isn't it a shame for Turkey's main opposition party?"
Karayalçın noted that one of the most critical points in history is being experienced, and as CHP and as a country, every possibility must be considered. When asked, "Does Mr. Kemal's stance throughout this process, especially in recent days, surprise you?" Karayalçın replied, "It saddens me, let me put it that way."
"IF THERE IS A PURGE, IF A SIGN OF PURGE IS RECEIVED, THEN A NEW PARTY SHOULD BE CONSIDERED" Emphasizing that CHP can overcome this process, Karayalçın said: "We come to the debate about the most appropriate time for a congress. If the Party Assembly decides to implement a congress process starting from scratch, district and neighborhood delegates will be determined, followed by district congresses, provincial congresses, and the congress itself... This could also bring about a purge process. It could lead to consequences that shake party unity... Before reaching such a point, the party's unity and integrity must be preserved. The name CHP must be preserved. Some views are emerging now, saying, 'CHP already has baggage, brother. Let's get rid of this baggage.' Yes, there is baggage, but there is also the reality of CHP. I am someone who has experienced this. We are politicians of a lineage going back to the Ottoman era. Therefore, closing down CHP is not an option. It is not right. But if we are in a very difficult situation, a separate structure could be considered. Otherwise, we must protect the party. Party unity is important. It should be our red line. But if a purge occurs, if a sign of purge is received, then a new party should be considered."
Karayalçın stated that prolonging the congress process would benefit the AK Party.
Murat Karayalçın also said that he watched the police's entry into the CHP headquarters in tears.