Gürsel Tekin's FETÖ statement: 'It has infiltrated the CHP' Much talked about remarks regarding operations targeting CHP municipalities

Gürsel Tekin , appointed trustee to the CHP Istanbul Provincial Chairmanship, claimed in a statement that FETÖ sleeper cells had infiltrated the CHP. Tekin stated, "With the mentality of 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend,' they first use the CHP against the government, and then they will try to destroy it." Speaking about the judicial process against CHP municipalities, Tekin said, "During Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's term, no corruption cases were filed against our party because there was an administration dominated by honesty. Now, as if there were no problems in the country, no issues or troubles for the people, all that's left is the courtroom. Let the judiciary do its job."

The Istanbul 45th Civil Court of First Instance canceled the CHP's Istanbul Congress, held on October 8, 2023, dismissed Özgür Çelik and his team, and appointed a five-person delegation consisting of Gürsel Tekin, Zeki Şen, Hasan Babacan, Müjdat Gürbüz, and Erkan Narsap as trustees for the CHP Istanbul Provincial Headquarters. Tekin entered the CHP Istanbul provincial building accompanied by police, but the CHP administration closed the building and announced that it had been allocated as the office of Chairman Özgür Özel. Gürsel Tekin, who visited the CHP's former provincial building in Sarıyer, made further statements.

Tekin, who stated that he had faced backlash from various circles since taking office, said in a statement to Sabah: "On my way to the provincial building, I encountered many people whose faces I had never even seen. They attacked my family and close circle, hurling inappropriate insults. It seems those trying to keep us away from the party have found new companions."

"FETO CELLS HAVE INFILTRATED THE CHP"

Tekin, who said that the CHP is facing a serious danger, continued:

FETÖ's sleeper cells have established a network worldwide, communicating through certain applications, and just as they have infiltrated all other political parties, they have succeeded in infiltrating our party as well. With the mentality of "the enemy of my enemy is my friend," they are first using the CHP against the government, and then they will attempt to destroy it. The current administration insists on ignoring this bigger picture and what is happening around the world. It should not be forgotten that this is the organization's tactic: to destroy one enemy by exploiting another.

"NO CORRUPTION CASE WAS FILED DURING KILIÇDAROĞLU'S PERIOD"

Recalling that the CHP has a deep-rooted tradition spanning 100 years, Gürsel Tekin said, "Our party cannot be built around a few individuals. Of course, there will be bad apples, but it is the party leadership's duty to weed them out. Anyone who has committed corruption or theft must first stand against the CHP leadership." He continued:

"During the Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu era, no corruption cases were filed against our party because there was an administration dominated by honesty. Now, as if there were no problems in the country, no issues or troubles for the people, all that exists is the courtroom. Let the judiciary do its job.

"WE ALL HAVE TO RESPECT THE JUDICIARY"

I'm not saying anyone is guilty or innocent, but there's a legal process in place, and we all have to follow it and respect its decisions. The court appointed me to this position, and I must comply, and so must you. It's important to remember that court decisions are not meant to please everyone. Whether you like them or not, you must comply.

"We do not want to be a part of internal party debates. Our only aim is to fulfill the duty given to us by the court."

"WE CAN ALSO PRODUCE TEA AND RULE THE COUNTRY"

Responding to a question about the term "tea maker" used to describe him because he worked as a tea seller in his youth, Tekin argued that he embraced a political approach closely intertwined with the public, saying:

"When the time comes, we can run the tea business and govern the country. We have always stood with labor and the working class. We will be guests at Auntie Ayşe's table, listening to her problems while she bakes her bread. The CHP is the people's party, and it will always be that way."

"HISTORY WILL WRITE US IN GOLDEN LETTERS"

We were raised in the CHP's school. Throughout this process, we've put on a tough shirt and taken on responsibility. We will strive to take our party out of the courthouse corridors, away from the "Let it be small, let it be ours" mentality, and bring it back to power after a long hiatus. History will write about us in golden letters.

"WE ARE LOOKING FOR MONEY LIKE BEGGAR"

Tekin, who stated that the CHP headquarters had not sent funds to the Istanbul Provincial Directorate, said, "We have reached a point where we cannot pay personnel salaries. We are searching for money like beggars in Medina. But, God willing, we will overcome this. We will win because we are right."