Main opposition CHP issues directive for party members to not criticize party in media

The CHP administration issued a new media directive asking party members not to discuss internal party issues before the media and the public. The move came after the growing criticism from internal opposition toward party chair Kılıçdaroğlu and his cadre after the election loss.

Wednesday July 12 2023 04:57 pm

Duvar English

The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) Deputy Chair for Media Policies Eren Erdem has issued a new directive asking party members to not discuss internal party debates before the media and the public.

Party cadres began to call for a change within the party after the CHP failed to garner expected number of parliamentary seats in May 14 general elections and party chair Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu lost in the presidential elections. Especially Istanbul Mayor launched a campaign on “change” within the party as one of the heavyweights of the CHP.

The directive demanded that the difference between the state and the government be observed and stated "Criticizing the government is different from criticizing the state. This difference should be observed and the fact that we are a political party claiming to govern the state should not be ignored."

The directive also demanded that CHP members, executives and elected officials to inform their superiors before appearing in the media.

The party administration stated that, “Party members who appear before the media may not express their personal views and opinions on issues of 'strategic importance'" and added that they should refrain from commenting on these issues even after spontaneous questions if the party assembly, chair, spokesperson, central executive board, and parliamentary group chair have not shared an official stance.

Party members were also warned not to criticize the Nation Alliance and alliance members. The Nation Alliance has been founded by the CHP with other five opposition parties before the elections and especially Good (İYİ) Party has made controversial comments on the alliance after the elections.

The CHP is expected to organize a party convention before the end of 2023. The district conventions will start on Aug. 5 and end on Sep. 10. Provincial conventions will take place between Sep. 16 and Oct. 15. After them, the Party Assembly will decide the date for the general convention.