Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu says municipal mayors cannot set CHP policy

CHP chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu told TV100 that municipal mayors are limited to implementing party decisions and cannot decide the party’s political line, including the selection of a presidential candidate. He criticised the Ahbap Derneği investigation and warned that institutions such as the Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay) have lost public trust, calling for a nationwide “purge” of corruption. Kılıçdaroğlu highlighted the role of trusted figures like singer‑philanthropist Haluk Levent and the ÇAĞDAŞ Yaşamı Destekleme Derneği, which he said continue transparent charitable work. He also defended comedian Deniz Göktaş, arrested in Karatepe Prison, stressing the need to protect individual rights and artistic freedom regardless of political views.