13.06.2026 14:20
After the absolute nullity decision, waters have not calmed in the CHP, and Ozgur Ozel made a striking statement. Sharing the results of a poll he had, Ozel said, "In the early days, citizens did not fully understand the situation, and the rate of those who said yes to the question 'Would you vote for Kilicdaroglu's CHP?' was around 5-6 percent. Now the situation has become even more dire. As the situation became clear, the rate of those voting for Kilicdaroglu's CHP dropped to 1 percent."
In the Republican People's Party (CHP), where the position of general chairperson changed hands after the judiciary's "absolute nullity" decision, the waters are far from calm. The tension between the administration of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, reinstated by the court decision, and Özgür Özel has now flared up over poll data and the party budget. Evaluating the latest developments, Özgür Özel shared information he received from public opinion research companies and made very harsh accusations against the new administration.
"WILL SPEND THE PARTY'S MONEY ON POLLS"
Speaking to journalist Fatih Altaylı, Özgür Özel stated that they did not commission any polls institutionally, but owners of public opinion research companies directly called him to convey the situation. Claiming that Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu called all polling companies one by one requesting surveys, Özel drew attention to the budget spent, saying, "Owners of public opinion research companies call me. Kılıçdaroğlu has apparently called all of them asking them to conduct polls. Since he cannot go to squares or hold rallies, he will spend the party's money on these, it's clear. He will commission public opinion research. He is apparently calling advertisers asking for campaign proposals to improve his image."
"AS THE SITUATION BECOMES CLEAR, HIS VOTES DROP TO 1%"
In the continuation of his statement, Özel noted that the latest poll results reveal a frightening picture, emphasizing that citizens are showing a reaction as they grasp the situation. Saying that in the early days, because citizens did not fully understand the legal situation, the answer "yes" to the question "Would you vote for Kılıçdaroğlu's CHP?" came in at about 5-6%, Özel stated, "Now the situation is even worse. As the situation becomes clear, the rate of those voting for Kılıçdaroğlu's CHP has dropped to around 1%. Can you imagine!"
"WE RAISED IT TO 38%, EVEN THE AK PARTY COULDN'T DO THAT"
Comparing the electoral success during his own administration with the current situation, Özgür Özel harshly criticized the point to which the party has been brought. Reminding that there was great resentment among voters when they took office, Özel concluded: "When we sought the management of this party, we said: 'Our vote rates have dropped to 13%. There is resentment among voters. Unless the management changes, we cannot convince the voters.' And we took the party, which we took over at 13%, to 38% in the first election. And we were still the first party. Now they have managed to drop it again. Even the AK Party couldn't have done that."