Former main opposition leader denies receiving direct invitation from Erdogan

Former main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu Monday dismissed claims that he received a direct invitation to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

In an interview on Ekol TV, Kilicdaroglu clarified: “There was nothing directly from Erdogan. A proposal came through an intermediary, and I made it clear that I would not meet.”

Kilicdaroglu on potential return as main opposition leader

Addressing rumors about his possible return as CHP leader, Kilicdaroglu stated: “When I entered Parliament, I had no intention of becoming party leader. I assumed the role because the delegates wanted it.”

“If they say, ‘you need to come back,’ I would consider it, but being a party leader carries significant responsibility; it’s not an easy task. I prefer to stay out of leadership debates. The party’s future will be decided by its delegates,” he added.

‘No direct communication from Erdogan’

Kilicdaroglu emphasized that there was no direct communication from President Erdogan regarding a meeting.

“To be clear, nothing came directly from Erdogan,” he said.

“A friend mentioned that the idea had been suggested, but I clarified it wasn’t true and that I would not accept it. The proposal came through an intermediary, and I declined the offer to meet,” Kilicdaroglu maintained.

‘No invitation sent’: AK Party’

Meanwhile, Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Spokesperson Omer Celik made statements after the party’s Central Decision and Administration Board (MYK) meeting.

Addressing claims that Kemal Kilicdaroglu received an invitation from President Erdogan through an intermediary, Celik stated: “There is no invitation sent to Kilicdaroglu by our president.”