Authority debate continues in CHP: Kılıçdaroğlu warns mayors

Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who was brought to the chairmanship of the Republican People's Party (CHP) by a court decision, is preparing to hold a meeting in Ankara at the end of July following the completion of the appointment process for provincial chairs within his party. At this meeting, the roadmap for the new term and the organizational strategy will be shared with the provincial chairs.

Following recent appointments, particularly in metropolitan cities such as Adana and İzmir, criticisms from some mayors stating that “Our opinions were not sought, the process is not being conducted healthily” had caused unrest within the party. According to a report by the pro-government newspaper Türkiye Gazetesi, Kılıçdaroğlu addressed the issue by stating, “Why should we take the opinions of mayors? The CHP is not managed by mayors, but by the Chairman and the party boards. Their primary duty is to serve the citizens, not to manage the party.”

Headquarters officials also stated that they were uncomfortable with the public statements made by some mayors recently, emphasizing that while criticism is acceptable within party culture, there must be limits. Party aides assessed the situation by saying, “You can criticize, but no one will allow, nor can they allow, the limits to be overstepped. Party discipline and the institutional structure are binding for everyone.”

It was reported that 36 provincial chairs have been replaced so far as part of the appointment process underway in the CHP, and that Kılıçdaroğlu plans to make changes in approximately 20 to 25 more provincial chairmanships. New appointments and dismissals are expected to come to the agenda following the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara. For this reason, it was noted that the Central Executive Board will not meet this week, and the process will continue with new regulations in the organizational structure the following week.

It was learned that the convention process and efforts regarding the party's future will also be discussed in detail at the meeting Kılıçdaroğlu will hold with the provincial chairs.

News Source: 12punto