CHP's 39th Ordinary Congress begins: How will the new 'A-Team' take shape?

The Republican People's Party (CHP) has convened its 39th Ordinary Congress at the Ankara Arena under the slogan "Now is the Time for Power." During the three-day congress, significant changes to the party program and bylaws are planned. The congress began with an opening speech by CHP Chairman Özgür Özel. In his speech, he emphasized preparations for government and sent a message that important steps would be taken to shape Turkey's future.

NEW PROGRAM AND BYLAW CHANGES DISCUSSED

On the first day of the congress, delegates will vote on the party program, which has been renewed after 17 years, and changes to the bylaws. CHP leader Özgür Özel stated that they would discuss the party program at the congress, saying, "Today, we will implement our program that will build the future of our party." He underscored that this congress is an important part of the CHP's preparation for government.

SHADOW CABINET TURNS INTO A "PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDACY OFFICE"

One of the most notable innovations of the congress was the addition of the "Presidential Candidacy Office" to the bylaws. With this new regulation, the shadow cabinet practice, which has been effectively carried out within the Central Executive Board (MYK), will be institutionalized. The shadow cabinet will now operate under the Presidential Candidacy Office. In his statement on this matter, Özgür Özel indicated that shadow cabinet members who are members of parliament will not be included in the Party Assembly. Furthermore, in line with the "no double duties for anyone" approach, it was stated that experts who are not members of parliament will also be included in the shadow cabinet.

YOUTH AND FEMALE REPRESENTATION IN PARTY MANAGEMENT TO INCREASE

The number of members in the CHP's Party Assembly (PM) will be increased from 60 to 80. With this change, youth and female representation will increase. The goal is to maintain the 25% quota for youth and ensure that current rates for female representation do not decline. Additionally, increasing the number of members is considered an important step for protection against judicial processes.

THE "A-TEAM" IS FORMING

Following the congress, there will be fundamental changes in the structure of the CHP's Central Executive Board (MYK). The administrative function of the MYK will be further strengthened. The 6-member administrative MYK will be transformed into a 13-15 member "A-Team." This team will be responsible for issues such as party organization, financial affairs, and election law, with a regular weekly work tempo.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE BEING RESHAPED

In the CHP, Deputy Chairman in charge of organization Ensar Aytekin will continue his duty after the congress. In the new structure, one PM member will be appointed as an assistant for each geographical region. In this way, it is aimed to convey regional problems directly to the MYK and to carry out field work more strictly. This regulation is also of critical importance for protecting the municipalities won in the local elections.

GÜL ÇİFTÇİ EXPECTED TO CONTINUE

CHP Deputy Chairman in charge of Election and Legal Affairs Gül Çiftçi is expected to continue in her role. Following her successful performance in the March 31 local elections, Çiftçi will undertake an important task in the coming period. During this process, Çiftçi's team will play an important role in managing the election system and the judicial files of imprisoned mayors.

NEW NAMES TO JOIN THE PARTY ASSEMBLY

Before the congress, it is expected that some names who have joined the CHP in recent years will be included in the PM lists. It is stated that names such as Salih Uzun, who joined the CHP from the Democrat Party, and Evrim Rızvanoğlu and Seda Kaya Ösen, who came from the DEVA Party, will be evaluated for the PM. These cadres are seen as a reflection of the "opening to the center-right" strategy.

ENGİN ALTAY, VELİ AĞBABA, AND ENGİN ÖZKOÇ TO CONTINUE THEIR DUTIES

Experienced CHP figures Engin Altay, Veli Ağbaba, and Engin Özkoç are expected to be in the Party Assembly. It is aimed that these names will provide significant contributions to the party on critical issues such as local administrations and judicial pressures.

CLEAR RESPONSE TO DİLEK İMAMOĞLU ALLEGATIONS

In party corridors, allegations had been made that Ekrem İmamoğlu's wife, Dilek İmamoğlu, would take a role in the party management. CHP sources categorically denied these allegations. It was stated that neither Özgür Özel nor the İmamoğlu family had any such request.

CHP'S NEW PARTY PROGRAM

The new party program prepared by the CHP before the congress was built on democracy and justice. Shadow Ministers introduced the CHP's goals and program to the delegates in the new term. CHP Deputy Chairman Gökçe Gökçen emphasized reforms that will strengthen democracy, saying, "Together, we will achieve a dignified life."

CHP Deputy Chairman Murat Bakan emphasized a secure Turkey: "Order provided by fear is not true security. A strong state is not one that suppresses its citizens, but one that gives them confidence," he said.

In the new program, important goals such as full membership in the European Union, the reopening of military schools, and the elimination of inequalities in education stand out. The CHP aims to implement a citizenship income and to spread the tax base.

The congress will shape the future of the CHP with three days of discussions and voting. This process will be decisive in line with the party's government goals.

News Source: 12punto