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Kılıçdaroğlu in 2024

Leader of the Main Opposition
In office 22 May 2010 – 8 November 2023
President	Abdullah Gül Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
Prime Minister	Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Ahmet Davutoğlu Binali Yıldırım
Preceded by	Deniz Baykal
Succeeded by	Özgür Özel
Leader of the Republican People's Party
In office 22 May 2010 – 8 November 2023
Preceded by	Deniz Baykal
Succeeded by	Özgür Özel
Vice President of the Socialist International
In office 21 August 2012 – 13 December 2014
President	George Papandreou
Country	Turkey
Preceded by	Deniz Baykal
Succeeded by	Umut Oran
Member of the Grand National Assembly
In office 18 November 2002 – 14 May 2023
Constituency	İstanbul (II) (2002, 2007, 2011) İzmir (II) (Jun 2015, Nov 2015, 2018)

Personal details
Born	Kemal Karabulut (1948-12-17) 17 December 1948 (age 76) Ballıca, Nazımiye, Tunceli, Turkey
Political party	Republican People's Party (after 1999)
Other political affiliations	Democratic Left Party (until 1999)
Spouse	Selvi Gündüz (m. 1974)
Children	3
Residence	Ankara
Alma mater	Ankara Academy of Economics and Commercial Sciences (Gazi University)
Occupation	Politician economist
Profession	Civil servant
Signature
Nicknames	Gandhi Kemal Grey wolf Kemal Democratic uncle of the youth Piro Mr. Kemal

Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu (born 17 December 1948), also known as KK, is a Turkish politician. He was the leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP) from 2010 to 2023. He also served as the Leader of the Main Opposition in Turkey during that time.

Before becoming a politician, Kılıçdaroğlu worked for the government. He was the director-general of the Social Security Institution from 1992 to 1996 and again from 1997 to 1999. He was first elected to the Turkish Parliament in 2002.

In 2010, after Deniz Baykal stepped down, Kılıçdaroğlu became the leader of the CHP. He aimed to make the party more modern. He tried to bring different parties together, which led to the creation of the Nation Alliance. This alliance helped the CHP win important local elections in 2019.

In 2023, he ran for president as the candidate for the Nation Alliance. However, he lost to the current President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. After this, he was replaced as CHP leader by Özgür Özel in November 2023.

Early Life and Education

Kemal Karabulut was born on 17 December 1948. His birthplace was Ballıca village in Tunceli Province, eastern Turkey. He was the fourth of seven children. His father, Kamer, worked as a clerk.

In the 1960s, his father changed the family's last name from Karabulut to Kılıçdaroğlu. This was because many people in their village had the same last name. Kemal's father was from a group called Alevis who had been exiled.

Kemal went to primary and secondary school in different towns. He later studied economics at the Ankara Academy of Economics and Commercial Sciences. He graduated in 1971. To support himself during his youth, he sold various goods.

Professional Career Before Politics

After finishing university, Kılıçdaroğlu started working for the Ministry of Finance in 1971. He began as a junior account specialist. He was later promoted to accountant and received special training in France. In 1983, he became a deputy director in the Revenues Department.

In 1991, Kılıçdaroğlu became the director-general of a social security organization. The next year, in 1992, he was appointed director-general of the Social Insurance Institution (SSK). In 1994, he was named "Civil Servant of the Year" by a magazine.

Kılıçdaroğlu retired from the Social Insurance Institution in 1999. He then taught at Hacettepe University. He also worked on a special committee about the informal economy. He was also a member of the Executive Board of İşbank.

Early Steps in Politics

Becoming a Member of Parliament

Kılıçdaroğlu during a public appearance in Ankara, April 2011

Kılıçdaroğlu left his government job in 1999 to enter politics. He first tried to join the Democratic Left Party (DSP). He was seen as a rising star in the DSP. However, he did not get on their list of candidates for the 1999 election.

Later, the leader of the CHP, Deniz Baykal, invited him to join the CHP. Kılıçdaroğlu accepted this invitation. In the 2002 general election, he was elected to the parliament as a representative from Istanbul. He was re-elected in 2007. He then became a deputy speaker for his party's group in parliament.

Kılıçdaroğlu became well-known for looking into possible wrongdoings by politicians from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Two deputy chairmen of the AKP resigned after debates with Kılıçdaroğlu. He also accused the Mayor of Ankara of being involved in a corruption case.

Running for Mayor of İstanbul in 2009

In January 2009, Kılıçdaroğlu was chosen as the CHP's candidate for Mayor of İstanbul. This was for the 2009 local elections. He promised to run a campaign based on honest politics. He also said he would investigate corruption cases against the current mayor.

Kılıçdaroğlu challenged the mayor to a live TV debate. He said he would work for the people of İstanbul. However, he lost the election. He received 37% of the votes, while the AKP mayor received 44.7%.

Becoming CHP Leader

Kılıçdaroğlu during a meeting with Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou, November 2010

The long-time leader of the CHP, Deniz Baykal, resigned on 10 May 2010. Kılıçdaroğlu announced he would run for the leadership on 17 May. This was just five days before a party meeting.

Many in the party were unsure about who should lead. However, Kılıçdaroğlu gained strong support from most of the party's provincial leaders. Because of this, Baykal decided not to run again.

To become an official candidate, Kılıçdaroğlu needed support from 20% of the delegates. At the party meeting in May 2010, he received signatures from 1,246 out of 1,250 delegates. This was a new record for the CHP. With such strong support, the election was moved up. Kılıçdaroğlu was then elected as party chairman with 1,189 votes.

Leading the Opposition

Kılıçdaroğlu became the Leader of the Main Opposition on 22 May 2010. This was because the CHP was the second-largest political party in the Turkish Parliament. Many people thought Kılıçdaroğlu would bring new energy to the CHP.

The 2010 Constitutional Referendum

Kılıçdaroğlu's first big campaign as CHP leader was for a vote on changes to the constitution. This vote, called a referendum, happened on 12 September 2010. The ruling AKP party had proposed these changes.

Kılıçdaroğlu urged people to vote 'no' against the proposals. He argued that the changes would give the AKP too much control over important government institutions. The Constitutional Court eventually ruled against the CHP's objections. The proposed changes were accepted by 57.9% of voters.

The 2011 General Election

Kılıçdaroğlu on a visit to Washington D.C., December 2013

The 2011 general election was the first national election for Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu as CHP leader. Before he took over, opinion polls showed the CHP had about 26% of the votes. Kılıçdaroğlu said he would resign if he was not successful in these elections.

Over 3,500 people wanted to be candidates for the CHP. The party held special elections in 29 provinces to choose candidates. Kılıçdaroğlu made big changes to the candidate list. He removed 78 current members of parliament. He also included 11 politicians who used to be in other center-right parties.

The CHP's vote share increased slightly in the election. Kılıçdaroğlu stated that the CHP was the only party that gained more representatives. He said the party gained 3.5 million new voters in a short time.

2015 General Elections

Kılıçdaroğlu announcing the CHP manifesto for the June 2015 general election.

The June 2015 general election was another important election for Kılıçdaroğlu. The CHP received 11.5 million votes, which was 24.95% of the total. They ended up with 132 members of parliament, a small decrease from 2011. Some people believed CHP voters tactically voted for the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) to help them get into parliament.

The election result meant the AKP lost its majority in parliament. For weeks, the AKP and CHP tried to form a government together, but they could not agree. Kılıçdaroğlu then tried to form a government with other parties, but this also failed. A new election was called for November. In the November election, the AKP regained its majority.

Supporting the Government in 2016

Kılıçdaroğlu supported the government during the 2016 coup attempt. He spoke out against those who tried to take over the government. A few months later, his group was attacked in Artvin by the PKK.

The March for Justice

Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu during the March of Justice

In June 2017, a CHP member of parliament, Enis Berberoğlu, was sent to prison. He was accused of sharing state secrets. Kılıçdaroğlu believed this was unfair. He organized a peaceful walk called the "Justice March". This march was 420 kilometers long, from Ankara to Istanbul.

The march lasted for 25 days. Many different people joined. It ended with a large gathering in Maltepe. Along the way, marchers faced some challenges, including objects being thrown at them.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his party criticized the march. However, the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party supported it. After the march, two books were written about it. The CHP also held a "Justice Congress." During this march, Kılıçdaroğlu earned the nickname "Gandhi Kemal."

Forming Alliances for Elections

2018 General Elections

In the 2018 elections, Kılıçdaroğlu and the leader of the İyi Parti, Meral Akşener, formed an alliance. They called it the Nation Alliance. This was in response to the alliance formed by the AKP and MHP. The Nation Alliance was also joined by the Felicity Party and Democrat Parties.

2019 Local Elections

In 2019, Kılıçdaroğlu and Akşener continued their cooperation for the municipal elections. Their alliance won the mayoral positions in Istanbul and Ankara. These cities had been controlled by Islamist parties for 25 years.

2023 Presidential Campaign

Kılıçdaroğlu in his kitchen talking about increased grocery prices, May 2023

Kılıçdaroğlu had been working to bring different opposition parties together for a long time. In November 2021, he announced a "Call for Reconciliation." He said the CHP had made mistakes in the past and wanted to make things right.

On 12 February 2022, six opposition party leaders met. They discussed a plan for a stronger parliamentary system and an election alliance. This alliance was officially announced and called the "Table of Six."

When the question of a joint presidential candidate came up, Kılıçdaroğlu said he was ready to run if the Table of Six agreed. The mayors of Istanbul and Ankara, Ekrem İmamoğlu and Mansur Yavaş, supported his candidacy. On 6 March 2023, he officially announced his run for the 2023 Turkish presidential election. He was supported by the Party of European Socialists. However, he lost to President Erdoğan in the second round of voting.

After his loss, he was voted out as party leader on 5 November 2023. Özgür Özel became the new leader of the CHP.

Political Views

Kılıçdaroğlu is known as a social democrat. This means he believes in social equality and a strong role for the government in society.

Views on Domestic Policy

Freedom of Speech

In January 2016, Kılıçdaroğlu was investigated for insulting President Erdoğan. This happened after he criticized the arrest of academics who signed a petition. The petition spoke out against military actions in a Kurdish region. Kılıçdaroğlu said: "Academics who express their opinions have been detained one by one on instructions given by a so-called dictator."

Kılıçdaroğlu also criticized the European Court of Human Rights. The court rejected a case from a Turkish teacher who said he was wrongly fired. The court said people should first go to a Turkish commission. Kılıçdaroğlu replied: "Don't you know what is going on in Turkey? Which commission are you talking about? People are dying in prisons."

Kurdish Issues

Kılıçdaroğlu visited the headquarters of the pro-Kurdish Peoples Democratic Party (HDP). He said that solutions to the Kurdish issue should be found in parliament. He also opposed closing down the HDP. He pointed out that Turkey's national broadcasts use the Kurdish language. He suggested changing how the Kurdish language is recorded in parliament.

Defence Industry

Kılıçdaroğlu stated that he would continue to support Turkey's drone industry.

Nationalism

On 31 May 2022, Kılıçdaroğlu said he was a "real nationalist." He explained his view of nationalism as patriotism. He also criticized others, saying: "They sold the tank pallet factory to the Qatari army. I will take that tank pallet factory from the Qatari army and deliver it to our army. Because this factory is yours." He also mentioned that he sent his son to the army without paying for military service, unlike some others.

Views on Foreign Policy

NATO

Kılıçdaroğlu supports Turkey having a stronger role in NATO. He said in an interview that Turkey is part of the Western alliance and NATO. He believes Turkey must follow decisions made by NATO.

European Union

Kılıçdaroğlu has said that if he came to power, he would follow a more Western-focused policy. He also sent positive messages to the European Union. He stated that joining the EU is a goal for all six opposition leaders. He promised to make democratic reforms in Turkey without waiting for the EU.

Middle East

Kılıçdaroğlu promised to create an "Organization of Peace and Cooperation in the Middle East." He said this organization would include Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey.

Azerbaijan

Kılıçdaroğlu supported Turkey's help to Azerbaijan. He said Azerbaijan's position is fair under international laws. He stated that Azerbaijan has the right to defend its own land. He believes Turkey's support is in line with international rules.

Syria

Kılıçdaroğlu has criticized the Turkish government for getting involved in Syria's internal affairs. He also supports sending Syrian refugees from Turkey back home. He mentioned the economic pressure on Turkish citizens and people's desire to live in their birth regions.

Greece

Kılıçdaroğlu has called Erdoğan and Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis "populists." He said they use "war talk" when their popularity drops. This was during rising tensions between Turkey and Greece over the Aegean Islands. While he wants to improve relations with Greece, Kılıçdaroğlu strongly opposed the military buildup on Greek Islands.

Russia and Ukraine

Kılıçdaroğlu approved of Erdoğan's "balanced" approach to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He also supported the Black Sea Grain Initiative. He promised to continue building the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, which is being built by Russian companies. Later in his campaign, he became more critical of Russia. He accused Russia of trying to interfere in the election. Russia denied these claims. Kılıçdaroğlu later softened some comments but kept a pro-Western stance.

Personal Life

Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu is married to Selvi Gündüz. They have three children: a son named Kerem, and two daughters named Aslı and Zeynep. They also have a granddaughter from Aslı's marriage.

In the 1950s, his father changed their family name to Kılıçdaroğlu. This was because many people in their village had the same last name, Karabulut. Kılıçdaroğlu's family is also known as the Cebeligiller. They belong to the Kureyşan tribe. Kılıçdaroğlu married Selvi Gündüz, who is also his relative, in 1974.

Kılıçdaroğlu can speak some French. He also understands some Zazaki, a language spoken in parts of Turkey. He has stated that he is from the Alevi faith. He prefers not to discuss his religious beliefs in politics.

Books by Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu

Kılıçdaroğlu has written four books and many articles:

İşsizlik Sigortası Kanunu-Yorum ve Açıklamalar, (1993) (Unemployment Insurance Law-Interpretations and Explanations)
1948 Türkiye İktisat Kongresi, (1997) (1948 Economics Congress of Turkey)
Kayıtdışı Ekonomi ve Bürokraside Yeniden Yapılanma Gereği, (1997) (Underground Economy and the Requirement of Reorganisation in the Bureaucracy)
Özgür ve Adil Bir Türkiye İçin Yürüyüş, (2020) (March for a Free and Just Turkey)

Election Results

Presidential Elections

Election date	Votes	Percentage of votes	Map	Result
2023	25,504,552 (2nd round)	47.82%		2nd

Parliamentary Elections

Election date	Votes	Percentage of votes	+/–	Political party
2011	11,155,972	25.98%	New	Republican People's Party
2015 June	11,518,139	24.95%	1.03
2015 November	12,111,812	25.32%	0.37
2018	11,354,190	22.65%	2.67
2023	13,791,299	25.33%	2.68