Tensions between Kaftancıoğlu and İmamoğlu reach boiling point
Tension Rises in Istanbul as Ekrem İmamoğlu’s Statements Stir Controversy within CHP Party
In recent developments within the Istanbul branch of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), Ekrem İmamoğlu, the Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, has sparked controversy with his statements supporting the Chairman of the CHP, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. These remarks have escalated tensions within the party, prompting a strong reaction from the CHP’s Istanbul Provincial Chair, Canan Kaftancıoğlu.
A meeting held with CHP district heads in Istanbul took a tense turn as the atmosphere became heated. Murat Poyraz, the Sultangazi CHP District Chairman, stirred the confrontation by remarking, “If you had worked as diligently for the general elections as you did for the local elections, we would have won today’s election.” These comments from Poyraz led to an exchange of words and heightened emotions in the hall.
Furthermore, Ekrem İmamoğlu specifically targeted Canan Kaftancıoğlu, the CHP Istanbul Provincial Chair, known for her staunch support of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. İmamoğlu alleged that the President did not fulfill his promise to him, and added that he would have spoken differently if Canan Kaftancıoğlu were a man. Subsequently, İmamoğlu left the hall, exacerbating the existing tension.
In response to İmamoğlu’s statements, Canan Kaftancıoğlu issued a strong response, taking to social media to express her disapproval. Kaftancıoğlu wrote, “There are some ‘male politicians’ who believe they are engaging in politics these days! I see they use sexist expressions against us women.” Her statement conveyed her disappointment at the use of sexist language and expressed her belief that intelligence, not gender, should be the focus of political discourse.
It is worth noting that this is not the first instance of tension between İmamoğlu and Kaftancıoğlu. Allegations have arisen claiming that Kaftancıoğlu previously used harsh language when referring to İmamoğlu, labeling him as “ambitious” and having a “contractor-minded” approach.
As this situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the CHP will address these internal conflicts. The party leadership will need to find a way to manage the divisions within their ranks to maintain a united front against other political opponents. Only time will tell if this recent controversy will have a lasting impact on the stability and future of the CHP in Istanbul.
