Turkish opposition party vows 'freest' criticism rights if elected

By Emin Avundukluoglu

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey's main opposition party on Tuesday pledged that, if elected to run the country, they would allow criticism of their government "in the freest way."

"You'll criticize us in the freest way ... We'll learn from your criticism, because every criticism may be justifiable in its own way," Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP) told his party's parliamentary group.

Referring to fears that he said some people had that some gains in rights and liberties could be lost under a CHP government, Kilicdaroglu said this would not be the case. "Just as no gains will be taken away from you, you will have new ones under a CHP government," he said.

Kilicdaroglu underlined politicians needed criticism more than applause: "As long as criticism comes, the politician takes his step more carefully."

"We will bring (to Turkey) the justice you have been looking for," he added.

The next general elections in Turkey are scheduled to be held in June 2023. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly dismissed demands by the opposition for early elections, saying they will be held on time.