Türkiye’s main opposition CHP’s congress under investigation over alleged irregularities
Supporters of Türkiye's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) wave flags and hold a picture of their leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu. (AFP Photo)
Ankara’s Chief Public Prosecutor has launched an investigation into the main opposition Republican People’s Party’s (CHP) 38th Ordinary Congress held on November 4-5, 2023, following allegations of irregularities.
Former CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu and former CHP parliamentary group leader Akif Hamzacebi have been summoned as witnesses regarding claims that votes were allegedly cast in exchange for money.
The investigation began after a complaint was filed with the Bursa Chief Prosecutor’s Office, which later transferred the case to Ankara due to jurisdiction. The prosecutor’s office confirmed that the probe has been ongoing since January 2024.
Erdogan: ‘A controversial congress’
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan previously described the CHP congress as “controversial” and claimed that Kilicdaroglu was “expelled” from the party through an orchestrated effort.
“We gave the new chairman a chance to engage in politics constructively. However, the internal power centers that thrive on tension could not tolerate it,” Erdogan said.
Kilicdaroglu: ‘Party must pespond’
Kilicdaroglu criticized CHP leadership for not responding strongly to Erdogan’s remarks:
Erdogan has called it a controversial congress at least five times. Either the party’s leadership or the chairman must make a clear statement. If they remain silent, doubts will grow in the minds of ordinary citizens.
Former CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu
Ozel: ‘Not worth a response’
Current CHP chairman Ozgur Ozel dismissed Erdogan’s claims:
Should we waste time responding? If I did, I would be disrespecting our party’s 1.6 million members. Are these claims even worth considering?
CHP chairman Ozgur Ozel
Hamzacebi: ‘No allegations from me’
Hamzacebi denied making any claims about irregularities, stating:
“I never suggested that our congress was controversial. My only concern is that Erdogan is constantly repeating this claim, and our party should firmly reject it.”
Background: The ‘Dagger’ controversy
The 38th CHP Congress was already marked by tension. During the event, Kilicdaroglu said:
“I had to enter this election with daggers in my back.”
Ozel responded:
“There are no daggers in CHP. No one carries a dagger here.”
