Main opposition’s ex-Izmir mayor set to challenge Ozel for CHP chairmanship

According to journalist Baris Yarkadas, the main opposition Republican People’s Party’s (CHP) former Izmir Mayor Tunc Soyer is preparing to run for CHP Chair. This comes ahead of the CHP’s extraordinary congress scheduled for Sept. 4-9, requested by current Chairman Ozgur Ozel.

Soyer’s campaign plans

Yarkadas revealed on TV100 that Soyer plans to challenge Ozel for the chairmanship. Soyer is expected to meet with Kemal Kilicdaroglu in Ankara and then seek a discussion with Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu regarding his candidacy.

Soyer had considered running even before the 2023 elections and had planned to seek the chairmanship if Kilicdaroglu had become president. The current speculation is that Soyer will actively campaign for the CHP leadership soon.

Kilicdaroglu eyes chair, again?

Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who lost the party leadership to Ozel, recently commented that he did not initially intend to become chairman but did so at the request of delegates. He expressed willingness to consider a return if requested by delegates but emphasized that leadership decisions should be made by party members.