New Tension in CHP: Different Messages from İmamoğlu and Yavaş After Kılıçdaroğlu’s Hearing Call
The agenda is once again active in the Republican People’s Party (CHP). Former Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu made statements regarding the prison and political ban request case to be heard on November 22, requesting his party’s support. However, this call found different echoes among the party’s leading figures. The messages from Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş brought the tension in the party back to the agenda.
Kılıçdaroğlu Calls to “Close the Rows”
Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu requested support regarding the trial process against him in a statement he made on social media. Calling for unity by saying “Close the Rows”, Kılıçdaroğlu described this hearing as an important struggle not only for himself but also for his party and democracy. In his message, he emphasized that he wanted to raise awareness among all party members and supporters about the importance of this case.
Ekrem İmamoğlu’s Response to “Our Side is Clear”
A short while after Kılıçdaroğlu’s statement, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu’s post drew attention. İmamoğlu drew attention by sharing a video with the title “Our side is clear.” The video was interpreted as an indirect response to Kılıçdaroğlu. This situation reignited claims within the CHP that İmamoğlu took a different position. Comments were made among party members that İmamoğlu’s message overshadowed the call for unity.
Full Support from Mansur Yavaş to Kılıçdaroğlu
Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş, whose name has frequently been on the agenda during the presidential candidacy process, gave full support to Kılıçdaroğlu’s call. Yavaş made his side clear on his social media account by saying, “This case is not just Mr. Kılıçdaroğlu’s case, it is everyone’s case. We stand by him so that justice can be served.” Mansur Yavaş’s message was welcomed by the names in the party who stand by Kılıçdaroğlu.
Is Tension Escalating Within the CHP?
While the influence of leadership discussions within the CHP is still ongoing, this trial process against Kılıçdaroğlu seems to have made the divisions within the party more apparent. The messages given in different styles by İmamoğlu and Yavaş are being evaluated as clues to a possible leadership struggle within the party. While some party members found İmamoğlu’s statement unnecessary, they appreciated Mansur Yavaş’s support for Kılıçdaroğlu.
What Will Be the Political Effects of the Case?
The case filed against Kılıçdaroğlu is not only a legal issue, but also a test for the political future of the CHP. The hearing on November 22 will be a platform where not only Kılıçdaroğlu but also the party’s general political stance will be evaluated. All eyes are on what strategy the CHP will follow during this process.
