First crack in Kılıçdaroğlu's team: Race for spokesperson heats up

Following the court decision issued on May 21, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who was 'reinstated' as CHP Chairman, will visit the CHP Headquarters today for the first time since it was cleared by police intervention. While there is great curiosity about whom Kılıçdaroğlu will appoint to which positions in his management team, the distribution of seats is increasing tension within the party.

According to reports from party corridors, it is stated that Kılıçdaroğlu is considering appointing Faik Öztrak as party spokesperson. A statement on the matter came from Barış Yarkadaş, known for his closeness to Kılıçdaroğlu and who visited him at his home during the holiday. In a live broadcast he attended, Yarkadaş stated, “Mr. Kemal is considering Faik Öztrak for the party spokesperson position.”

According to a report by Oda TV, following this statement, it is being discussed that current Party Assembly Member and former deputy Berhan Şimşek is also a candidate for party spokesperson and that his team is quite uncomfortable with this development. It is alleged in party circles that Kılıçdaroğlu had initially planned to appoint Şimşek as spokesperson; however, Öztrak, who has held this position for many years, emphasized his experience and shared the view that “Experienced names should continue in this office.”

Öztrak's insistence in this direction has caused a reaction in the Berhan Şimşek camp. Şimşek and his supporters are calling for fairness in the distribution of duties.

Within the CHP base, various criticisms regarding Kılıçdaroğlu's reinstatement as chairman are on the agenda. It is estimated that if the many names who want to take part in the party management cannot reach the positions they desire in the new term, a deeper crisis could occur within the party. The management list and appointments that Kılıçdaroğlu is expected to announce today will be an important step that will determine the internal balance of the party.

News Source: 12punto