CHP prepares for ordinary congress and leadership race

The Republican People's Party (CHP) is preparing for an ordinary congress, with discussions intensifying regarding the leadership of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. Party officials plan to begin the congress process in mid-September. To navigate internal tensions, Kılıçdaroğlu is expected to follow a strategy where he does not personally declare his candidacy, but is instead nominated by delegates, a method used in previous years.

CHP Deputy Chairman Deniz Demir expressed strong support for Kılıçdaroğlu’s candidacy, stating he wants the leader to run “from the bottom of his heart” to lead the party through its current challenges. Meanwhile, Deputy Chairman Bülent Kuşoğlu noted that Kılıçdaroğlu is unlikely to step down, as doing so could trigger instability and factionalism within the party.

In preparation for the congress, Kılıçdaroğlu is scheduled to meet with provincial chairmen in Ankara before embarking on an Anatolian tour starting September 9, the anniversary of the party's founding. The tour is expected to include visits to cities such as Izmir, Antalya, Adana, and Gaziantep to restructure party organizations and prepare for the upcoming leadership race.