Socialist International calls on Kılıçdaroğlu to hold a party congress

Following the ruling of absolute nullity in the case concerning the CHP congress and the subsequent return of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu to the CHP chairmanship, the Socialist International has released a written statement.

The statement included the following remarks:

“We have a long-standing and productive relationship with our member party in Turkey, the CHP. Over the years, we have cooperated with many CHP leaders, including Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. The Socialist International has actively participated in and closely monitored the recent CHP congresses where Özgür Özel was elected chairman. We have witnessed that the congress processes were conducted in a democratic and inclusive manner. Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who chose not to run against Özgür Özel in the recent congresses, bears a significant historical responsibility in managing the process created by the ‘nullity’ ruling that invalidates previous congresses and the party’s elected administration. Taking into account all developments in this critical process affecting one of our member parties and similar examples within our organization, the Socialist International will continue to recognize Özgür Özel and the current democratically elected administration of the CHP until the case is resolved on the basis of admissibility and consensus.

The Socialist International calls on Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu to immediately convene an extraordinary congress that is transparent, democratic, inclusive, and free from disciplinary processes that could create the impression of a factional approach.

The Socialist International will continue to monitor developments regarding the baseless ‘nullity’ ruling and expresses its full solidarity with Özgür Özel during this challenging process.”