Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's TV interview sparks criticism within CHP

Around a month after being appointed leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP), Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu gave his first televised appearance on the opposition channel Sözcü TV. He avoided pro‑government broadcasters and used the platform to address several party issues.

Kılıçdaroğlu’s remarks included criticism of the detained mayors and officials, a denial of plans for an immediate party congress, and an ambiguous stance on Ekrem İmamoğlu’s potential presidential candidacy. He also referenced his past support for the removal of parliamentary immunities in 2016, which prompted heated responses from CHP supporters and heightened internal tension.

The interview generated a wave of criticism from party members and voters, who felt the statements either downplayed the plight of imprisoned local leaders or created uncertainty about the party’s future direction.