Shift in rhetoric in pro-government media: 'Mr. Kemal' is gone, the 'Kemal Bey' era has begun

Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who returned to the office of CHP Chairman following a court ruling of "absolute nullity," has triggered a radical change in the language used by media outlets close to the government. Kılıçdaroğlu, who was the target of harsh criticism in previous years, has begun to be referred to as "Kemal Bey" in headlines following the latest crisis.

The evacuation of the CHP Headquarters by police force and the change in leadership via a court decision found wide resonance in the pro-government press. While newspapers reported the developments to their readers with headlines such as "chaos," "intra-party crisis," and "civil war," the sharp change in the forms of address used for Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu became a hot topic on social media.

Yeni Şafak's memory: 2022 vs 2026

The most concrete example of this change in language in the media was seen in the archives of Yeni Şafak Newspaper. Two different headlines published by the newspaper in past years and during the recent process revealed the new attitude adopted:

• Year 2022: During the period when Kılıçdaroğlu was the opposition leader, the term "Mr. Kemal" was highlighted in headlines and news language, in parallel with the government rhetoric of the time, and harsh criticisms were directed at him.

• Year 2026: Following his return by court order, the term "Kemal Bey" was preferred for the same name in yesterday's headline, using a more constructive and supportive tone.

''ACCUSATORY LANGUAGE TOWARD ÖZGÜR ÖZEL SUPPORTERS''

While the return of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and the implementation of court decisions were interpreted in the headlines of pro-government media as "the fulfillment of a legal process," Özgür Özel, who had to leave his post, and the party members supporting him were placed in the crosshairs. Newspapers chose to use accusatory language for the deputies and organization members who supported Özel.