Müslim Sarı on expulsions and the agenda: A parallel operation has emerged within the CHP

Stating that as individuals bearing legal responsibility in the process ongoing since May 21, they wanted to create a common ground for a solution, Sarı said they were trying to establish a dialogue mechanism by taking into account the views of all segments within the party.

Explaining that the formation of a dialogue committee by a Central Executive Board (MYK) decision had come to the agenda for this purpose, Sarı stated that various names and mayors had also made attempts at consensus, but the expected result could not be achieved.

Sarı said, “We kept the door to dialogue open. However, every attempt at consensus we made remained unreciprocated. At the point reached, an image of two separate centers has emerged within the party.”

“A parallel operation has emerged within the party”

Stating that the decisions taken by the CHP Headquarters and the steps taken by a different group overlap, Sarı argued that this creates a serious problem in terms of institutional functioning.

Saying that different attitudes have emerged on many issues, from holiday greeting programs to group meetings, Sarı used the expressions, “The Headquarters announces a date, and another program is announced for the same day and time. We want to organize a group meeting, but the process is moved to a different point. A parallel structure has practically formed within the party.”

Sarı also alleged that some individuals have been making statements by positioning themselves as CHP spokespersons or MYK members, stating that no political party can sustain a multi-headed structure.

“Processes that damage institutional identity are being followed”

Stating that the party management's primary priority is to protect the institutional structure of the CHP, Sarı also touched upon the “purification” process mentioned by Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu.

Expressing that evaluations are being made regarding names mentioned in the context of the absolute nullity lawsuit and discussed in the public eye, Sarı said that developments that put the party in a difficult position legally are being carefully examined.

“There is no decision taken for Özel and İmamoğlu”

Answering the question of whether any disciplinary or expulsion evaluation has been made regarding Özgür Özel and Ekrem İmamoğlu, Sarı stated that there is no such decision taken.

Reminding that Özel served as CHP Chairman for a long time and that İmamoğlu was determined as a candidate nominee in the primary process with the support of millions of voters, Sarı said that no special agenda has been created regarding these names.

“The party's doors are not completely closed”

Making evaluations regarding the future of names currently in the disciplinary process, Sarı stated that the CHP is going through a difficult period and that the contribution of all party members is needed to emerge from this process.

Emphasizing that the disciplinary mechanism is functioning but there are no finalized and irreversible decisions on any subject, Sarı noted that dialogue could be re-established with all segments within the party.

Convention debates continue

Making evaluations regarding the resignations of Party Assembly members and calls for a convention, Sarı argued that it is legally impossible to hold a convention before the current judicial process is concluded.

Reminding that the injunction is in effect, Sarı said that the Party Assembly can continue its work with current members, but a convention decision cannot be taken before the court ruling is finalized.

“İmamoğlu’s expulsion has not come to the agenda”

Speaking about the expulsion allegations regarding Ekrem İmamoğlu, Sarı stated that no such evaluation has been made either in the Party Assembly or the MYK, and that there is no decision regarding the matter.

“Özgür Özel has no privilege”

Stating that Özgür Özel is a CHP Deputy for Manisa, Sarı indicated that if behaviors contrary to the party's institutional principles continue, the same rules will apply to everyone.

Sarı said, “No one has any privilege. This situation applies to everyone, including Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu.”

“I see a search for a new party”

Sharing his observations that Özgür Özel and his team are in search of different political paths, Sarı said that some contacts and preparations could be interpreted in this direction.

Stating that he thinks a political strategy that increases tension and deepens division within the party is being followed, Sarı expressed that despite this, they have not completely closed the door to consensus.

Notification made to the TBMM

Making statements regarding the situation of Ali Mahir Başarır and Gökhan Günaydın, Sarı said that in line with the MYK decision, it has been notified to the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) that these individuals' duties within the party have ended.

He stated that new evaluations will be made for the vacant group deputy chairmanship positions following the decision to be given by the TBMM.

“Unity should be preferred over rupture”

Touching upon the evaluations that a new division could occur within the party, Sarı said he does not find such a picture correct.

Stating that all CHP members should continue to engage in politics under the same roof, Sarı noted that problems within the party can be solved through dialogue.

Congress process will be initiated

Sarı stated that the convention cannot be held immediately due to current legal conditions, but the congress process can be initiated.

Saying that the party management is making preparations regarding the congress and convention calendar, Sarı expressed that there is a general consensus on this issue in the Party Assembly and that the MYK will share the roadmap with the public in the coming days.

Sarı said, “We have to wait for the court ruling for the convention. However, there is no obstacle to us starting the congress process.”