The Republican People's Party (CHP) is known to be a party in which internal democracy has historically functioned more than its rivals. Historically, there have been different wings within the CHP and sometimes demands for a convention are put forward. These demands are seen as part of the CHP tradition; even if they are not supported, they are not belittled. However, some recent statements raise the question, “Is there an erosion of the culture of democracy within the CHP?”.
“People don't want to hear blah blah blah from CHP”
The first of the statements that caused this concern came on November 6, 2024. Özgür Özel told the press, “People don't want to hear about congresses, delegates, elections, primaries, blah, blah, blah from CHP. They want to hear about real problems.” On social media, Özel's characterization of criticism or demands within the party as "blah, blah, blah" drew criticism.
“Let no one beg for a congress from me”
However, another controversial statement from Özel came on November 8, 2024. “I will continue to shake Erdoğan's hand,” Özel said, and regarding the demands for a convention, he said, “Let no one beg for a convention from me at the expense of the party's vote. Let those who have the power go to the convention.” These words also caused criticism.
“Begging is inappropriate”
Politician Bülent Gürsoy criticized this statement on his Twitter account on November 8, 2024 as follows: “Mr. Chairman, what kind of style is this? In the Republican People's Party, no one begs for anything from anyone. Even this statement of yours is an indication that you do not behave in accordance with your position. The fact that you cheapen the demands for a congress with the word ‘begging’ with the phrase ‘nobody should beg for a congress from me’ does not befit a Republican People's Party Chairman. You forget that you came out with the demand for a congress only a year ago.”
“The convention is not a favor, it is a right”
On the same day, CHP Istanbul MP and PM Member Oğuz Kaan Salıcı responded to Özel's statement “Nobody should beg for a congress from me” with some statements. Salıcı said: “A convention in the Republican People's Party is not a favor, it is a right. When necessary, a convention is held. Mr. General President also became a candidate for the presidency after the general elections, claiming that the base narrowed and that our party needed a convention. Every chairman of the Republican People's Party is highly respected. On the other hand, as my esteemed compatriot Kamil Kırıkoğlu, one of the general secretaries of our party, said, ‘he is not a sultan’.”
“sheer arrogance, rabid ambition”
However, on the same day, CHP Spokesperson Deniz Yücel's response to Salıcı was also harsh. In Yücel's statement, Salıcı's remarks were characterized as an accusation and he said, “It is neither reasonable nor logical to expect the CHP chairman not to respond to this. This situation can only be the result of sheer arrogance and rabid ambition.” In another part of his statement, Yücel said, “At a time when our mayor of Esenyurt was arrested with a political operation and a trustee was appointed to our municipality, going on TV that night and discussing the congress, opening the General President and the party administration to discussion, is an indication of what if not a state of heedlessness?”.
Kılıç's harsh reaction to Yücel
Yücel's statement was sharply criticized by CHP Izmir MP Sevda Erdan Kılıç. Referring to the statements in Yücel's statement, Kılıç said: “On the one hand, ‘sheer arrogance’, ‘rabid ambition’, ‘state of heedlessness’, ‘personal ambition’, ‘pursuit of fortune’, ‘reckless attitude’, on the other hand; ‘Call for unity and solidarity’, ‘Reason and conscience’ conscience’ emphasis, ‘Responsibility of being a party member’ ‘Courtesy and tolerance’ language... This contrast overshadows the credibility of the words. First targeting and then calling for unity is incompatible with political consistency. Either the language of criticism or the call for unity should be rethought.
“Style far from the traditions of our party”
CHP Izmir Deputy Mahir Polat also criticized Yücel's statement and said, “Today, I regretfully read the comments of our party spokesperson on the criticisms of our former Deputy Chairman Mr. Oğuz Kaan Salıcı in a style that is appropriate and befits a Republican People's Party, and in a style that is far from the traditions of our party.”.
Günaydın's statement was recalled
Some users on social media also reported that CHP Group Deputy Chairman Gökhan Günaydın participated in the “KRT Soruyor” program on KRT TV on October 26, 2024. Gökhan Günaydın said, “If anyone collects signatures for an extraordinary convention, I would never look at them as ‘They are traitors’. The statute has given them that right, they can do it. If enough people in the party think that this party cannot be managed, all of this can be done” and compared this comment with the recent statements.
Concerns about internal party democracy
As a result, the statements coming from the CHP leadership during the period when demands for a convention are on the rise raise concerns about the CHP's commitment to internal party democracy.