60-Member Party Assembly Prepares for Political Battles
The main opposition party in Turkey, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), is gearing up for its congress where a new list of members for the most important decision-making body, the Party Assembly, will be determined. Former Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu announced that he will not run for the presidential race, leaving the decision to the party Assembly. The list of candidates for the opposition was prepared by Özgür Özel’s team and there are reports of a list coalition forming within the opposition to challenge Özel’s choices.
There has been some concern over the list of candidates, with some members expressing displeasure with certain names on the list. The opposition is working to address these concerns and ensure a strong and united front for the upcoming congress.
The congress will take place at the Yenimahalle Nazım Hikmet Cultural Center, with party flags decorating the venue. Three critical delegates from the CHP, including Ekrem İmamoğlu, Rıza Akpolat, and Mehmet Murat Çalık, are unable to attend the congress due to their detainment in Silivri Prison. Ankara Metropolitan Mayor Mansur Yavaş and former Izmir Mayor Tunç Soyer are rumored to be included in the key list for the opposition.
Antalya Muratpaşa Mayor Ümit Uysal has announced his candidacy for the CHP leadership, while former deputy and player Berhan Şimşek has also thrown his hat in the ring. The opposition party received a solidarity visit from the European Socialist Party (PES) where they reaffirmed their commitment to defending Turkey’s interests.
As the congress approaches, tensions are running high within the opposition as they work to finalize their list of candidates and prepare for the future of the party.
