13.12.2025 15:15
The former Sultanbeyli District President of the CHP, Özgür Erdem, was expelled due to a post criticizing "dirty relationships" within his party. Following the decision, Erdem recalled Atatürk's words emphasizing the importance of criticism and stated that he stands by his position.
A striking expulsion decision was made in the Republican People's Party (CHP). Özgür Erdem, who previously served as the Sultanbeyli District Chair of CHP, was expelled from the party on the grounds of a post in which he stated, "The CHP is not a refuge for dirty relationships, trolls, and dubious structures."
THE DECISION WAS MADE UNANIMOUSLY
In the meeting of the Provincial Executive Board held on December 9, 2025, it was reported that Erdem was referred to the Provincial Disciplinary Board with a request for "precautionary expulsion" in accordance with the relevant article of the party's statute, with a unanimous decision. The expulsion decision was finalized at the end of the process.
"I FULFILLED THE INSTRUCTION GIVEN TO ME BY ATATÜRK"
After the decision, Özgür Erdem made a statement on his social media account, referring to the words of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk: "When you see a mistake or a deficiency in the party, you must criticize it unconditionally. It is extremely wrong to tolerate any mistake made." In his post, Erdem emphasized that he stood behind the decision by stating, "I fulfilled the instruction given to me by Atatürk." While the expulsion decision caused a wide reaction within the party and on social media, it led to a resurgence of internal debates in CHP.