23.05.2026 14:21
"Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, whose reaction after the absolute nullity decision was a matter of curiosity, broke his silence by appearing before the cameras. In his statement, Kılıçdaroğlu said, 'CHP must protect its moral values. We will restore the CHP to the codes of its founding. We will restore it to moral values. I promise all citizens and party members in your presence.'"
Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who was reinstated as the Chairman of the CHP by a court ruling, made assessments about the process in front of the cameras at his home.
Stating that "The CHP must protect its moral values," Kılıçdaroğlu said, "We will restore the CHP to its founding codes. We will restore its moral values. Our party has received much criticism, but until now, there has never been criticism about its moral values. We need to bring back moral values."
Highlights from Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's statements;
"First, I promised you yesterday that I would make a statement, but I had a problem with my vocal cords. Now I am here with you. There was a new development this morning. Best wishes to Mr. Özgür, but he had said he would meet with me. However, he has not yet met with me. Perhaps it will happen today.
"THE CHP MUST PROTECT ITS MORAL VALUES"
One thing must be well known. The Republican People's Party is a rooted party. It is a party that founded the state. The CHP must protect its moral values, it must protect its moral mission. I promise all citizens and party members in your presence.
"IT IS NECESSARY TO AVOID DIVISIVE STATEMENTS"
We will restore the CHP to its founding codes. Our party has received much criticism throughout its history. Criticisms have come from civil society and from within, but there has never been criticism regarding our party's moral stance; however, now it is coming. In this process, it is necessary to avoid statements that will divide the party base. I avoid such statements and express this to all my colleagues in the same way. It is necessary to avoid statements that will divide the party base and demonize party members.
"NEGATIVE LANGUAGE IS NOT USED TOWARD FORMER LEADERS"
This party is a party that founded the Republic. Leaving this party to face moral problems and maintaining our silence on such issues is no longer correct. In our party culture, negative language is not used about anyone who has served as chairman. Because we respect all party members.
"CREATING HOSTILITY IS NOT RIGHT"
Creating hostility among the party base or fostering a confrontational environment is not right. I especially ask all my colleagues, members of parliament, provincial chairs, district chairs, and the party's voters. We are the Republican People's Party, a rooted party. We must protect our roots. We will restore the CHP to its moral values. We must avoid rhetoric that divides this party. In our party culture, there is no place for creating hostility or a confrontational environment toward any former chairman. These are not correct. We are the CHP; we must protect our roots and our morality."
ABSOLUTE NULLITY CRISIS IN THE CHP
The Ankara Regional Court of Appeals had ruled for absolute nullity regarding the CHP. The court annulled the CHP's 38th Ordinary Convention held on November 4-5, 2023. Thus, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu returned to the role of CHP Chairman by court order after 2.5 years. With the annulment of the convention, all ordinary and extraordinary conventions held after that date and the decisions taken were also rendered invalid.
BAILIFFS SERVED THE DECISION
Bailiffs served the interim injunction decision of the Ankara Regional Court of Appeals 36th Civil Chamber in the CHP convention case to Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who was reinstated as CHP Chairman. The bailiffs went to his work office and delivered the decision to Kılıçdaroğlu.
THE SUPREME ELECTION COUNCIL REJECTED THE CHP'S OBJECTION
The Supreme Election Council (YSK) rejected the objection of the Republican People's Party (CHP) regarding the absolute nullity decision. The Ankara Regional Court of Appeals also rejected the CHP's objection to the interim injunction decision.
THEY SPOKE ON THE PHONE
Özgür Özel, who was temporarily removed from the CHP Chairman role following the absolute nullity decision, and Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who was reinstated, spoke on the phone. During the call, Kılıçdaroğlu told Özel that he intended to take the party to a convention at the most suitable time. Özgür Özel, regarding his phone conversation with Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, said, "I was asked a question, 'What do you say?' My answer is clear, I have no compromise. We want elections as soon as possible, we want a convention."