02.06.2026 17:40
In the new A-team determined by Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who returned to the position of CHP Chairman by court decision, the most striking move was the return of Akif Hamzaçebi. In the new internal party restructuring initiated by Kılıçdaroğlu, past harsh leadership debates and tensions were set aside, and Hamzaçebi was appointed as the Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission. It was stated that Hamzaçebi's primary focus in his new role would be on allegations of bribery and corruption in CHP-run municipalities.
Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who returned to the CHP Chairmanship by court decision, has determined the Central Executive Board (CEC) list that will lead the party into the new era. The most striking move in the new A-team, where Rıfat Nalbantoğlu was appointed as the General Secretary, was the return of Akif Hamzaçebi, who had previously completely cut ties with Kılıçdaroğlu.
In the new internal party restructuring that Kılıçdaroğlu initiated in late May 2026, it did not go unnoticed that Hamzaçebi was appointed as the Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission, effectively drawing a line under all past tensions.
TIES HAD BEEN BROKEN
Akif Hamzaçebi had previously served in the most critical roles, such as Deputy Group Chair and Party General Secretary, as one of Kılıçdaroğlu’s most trusted aides. However, the relationship between the two experienced a major rupture.
After the failure in the 2023 general and presidential elections, Hamzaçebi, without naming names, harshly criticized Kılıçdaroğlu, saying, "There is a complete failure here; no one should try to create a story of success from these results," and indirectly called for his resignation.
WITH A WHISKEY GLASS IN HAND...
The ties between the two completely snapped after Kılıçdaroğlu's remarks about the party's dissenters, where he said, "I took this party from the hands of lowlifes who direct my party with whiskey glasses in their hands." Hamzaçebi reacted very strongly to these statements and demanded that Kılıçdaroğlu immediately disclose those names.
FIRST TARGET: ALLEGATIONS OF BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION IN CHP MUNICIPALITIES
Despite all these intense tensions, Kılıçdaroğlu's decision to bring Hamzaçebi back to his side in the new party restructuring and entrust him with the most critical commission was interpreted as a remarkable strategic move.
It was stated that Hamzaçebi, as the Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission, would primarily focus on the alleged bribery and corruption incidents in CHP-run municipalities. With this move, seen as a signal of internal party "purification," Hamzaçebi became the most authorized figure to investigate allegations in the municipalities.