Başarır responds to Kılıçdaroğlu's 'pavilion' remarks

CHP Group Deputy Chairman Ali Mahir Başarır responded to former CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's comments regarding the party convention process while simultaneously calling on the government to hold early elections.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM), Başarır began his remarks by addressing the comments made by President and AKP Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during his party's group meeting.

Criticizing the language Erdoğan used toward the CHP, Başarır stated, "He said, 'It does not concern me who occupies the CHP chairmanship office.' I condemn the word 'occupy'; it was highly inappropriate."

Başarır noted that Erdoğan dedicated a significant portion of his approximately 40-minute speech to the main opposition party, arguing that he failed to address the country's fundamental problems, particularly the economy.

"The President did not make, and could not make, any comments regarding the country's economic problems. You are not talking about interest rates or inflation. The fundamental problem of this country is poverty and injustice. You say, 'The opposition does not concern me,' yet you are trying to shape the opposition. To avoid discussing your own situation, they want to push our elected chairman aside through a court decision," he said.

DREW ATTENTION TO BY-ELECTION RESULTS

In his speech, Başarır also touched upon the by-elections held in 6 towns, reminding the government of the results it faced in the local elections.

Başarır stated, "They suffered a heavy defeat in the March 31 local elections. He did not see this as a success for us, but he made a victory speech regarding the 6-town by-elections. Mr. President, you lost the last local elections."

Calling on President Erdoğan for elections, Başarır said, "If you are so confident in yourself, bring the ballot box."

CALL FOR CONVENTION TO KILIÇDAROĞLU

Evaluating the statements made by Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu at the CHP Headquarters, Başarır stated that the party should convene its convention without delay.

Başarır said, "I did not see any difference between someone's speech yesterday and their speech today. Do not play into the hands of today's Palace rhetoric while the country has so many problems. Convene the convention immediately. Set a date for July or August, and let us all find relief. Go out to the streets, face the people! Do not embarrass us any further. We are tired of being embarrassed on your behalf."

“AN HONORABLE POLITICIAN WOULD PRESENT EVIDENCE”

Addressing Kılıçdaroğlu's remarks that "at no point in CHP history have convention negotiations been held in pavilions," Başarır argued that the allegations made must be supported by documents.

Başarır stated, "You talk about 'footage,' you talk about 'pavilion footage,' you talk about 'money'... An honorable politician would produce a bank receipt and present it. You talk about 'title deeds.' An honorable politician would produce the title deed and present it. If there is footage of money being received in a pavilion, an honorable politician would bring it out and present it."