Statement from a name on Kılıçdaroğlu's PM list: Will he take on a role?

Following the cancellation of the CHP's 38th Ordinary Convention and the ruling of "absolute nullity," former MP Mehmet Tüm, who was among the members of the party's reshaped Party Assembly, has shared his decision not to take on any duties with the public. Tüm pointed out that the infighting and polarization within the party are harming both the CHP and the struggle for democracy in Turkey.

Mehmet Tüm, who has served under the CHP umbrella for approximately thirty-five years as an advocate for organized struggle, social democracy, and intra-party democracy, underscored in his written statement that he has never been a party to factionalism throughout his political life. Emphasizing that he was elected as an MP and a member of the Party Assembly through the free will of members and delegates, Tüm stated that this process was a result of the democratic tradition within the party.

In his statement, Tüm included the following remarks: "The Republican People's Party gave me the greatest honors of my political life. I became an MP by emerging from a primary election, and I was elected to the Party Assembly in four separate conventions through the free will of our delegates without being part of any list. I have always seen this as a result of our party's democratic culture." Tüm expressed that even during the party's most difficult periods, his only concern had been to protect the CHP's institutional identity.

Stating that internal debates within the party have grown in recent days and that this creates new problems rather than solutions, Mehmet Tüm made the following assessments:

"For approximately thirty-five years, I have been an advocate for social democracy, organized struggle, and intra-party democracy. Throughout my political life, I have never been the politician of any group, faction, or individual. I have always defended the will of the organization, the primary election, and the right of members to have a say.

The Republican People's Party gave me the greatest honors of my political life. I became an MP by emerging from a primary election, and I was elected to the Party Assembly in four separate conventions through the free will of our delegates without being part of any list. I have always seen this as a result of our party's democratic culture.

Even during our party's most difficult periods, our only concern has been to protect the CHP's institutional identity and the hope of the social opposition. However, at the point we have reached today, our party is experiencing a serious division in the shadow of internal debates. This situation harms not only our party but also Turkey's struggle for democracy.

Under these conditions, I do not find it appropriate to be in any position that would make me a party to the divisions occurring in our party. For this reason, it is not possible for me to take part in the new Central Executive Board (MYK) to be formed or in any other assignment. Because what is needed today is not new positions; it is to rebuild common sense, solidarity, and the spirit of unity.

All components of the Republican People's Party must meet on the ground of common struggle and grow unity, not polarization. The expectation of our people is a strong CHP that will produce solutions to their problems, inspire confidence, and increase its goal of coming to power.

For this reason, our party must initiate the convention process without wasting time, consult the will of the organization, and conclude all debates on a democratic basis. Because the true owner of the CHP is its organization, its members, and the millions who have set their hearts on it."

News Source: 12punto