A Turkish economist and politician who served as the leader of the Republican People's Party, known for his strong opposition to authoritarianism and advocacy for democracy and human rights.
Kemal Kldarolu is a prominent Turkish politician who served as the leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP) and the main opposition in Turkey from 2010 to 2023. He is known for his efforts to modernize the CHP and his attempts to construct big-tent coalitions with other parties to challenge the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
Kemal Kldarolu was born on 17 December 1948 in the Ballca village of Nazmiye district in Tunceli Province, eastern Turkey. His father, Kamer, was a clerk and recorder of deeds, and his mother, Yemu, was a homemaker. Kldarolu was the fourth oldest of seven siblings.
Before entering politics, Kldarolu had a successful career in civil service. He served as the director-general of the Social Insurance Institution from 1992 to 1996 and again from 1997 to 1999. During this time, he implemented several reforms aimed at improving the social security system in Turkey.
Kldarolu was elected to Parliament in the 2002 general election and became the CHP's parliamentary group leader. In 2009, he was nominated as the CHP candidate to run for Mayor of Istanbul, but lost to the AKP candidate. Despite this setback, Kldarolu continued to rise through the ranks of the CHP, becoming the party's leader in 2010 after the resignation of Deniz Baykal.
As leader of the CHP, Kldarolu sought to modernize the party and appeal to a broader range of voters. He was elected deputy chairman of the Socialist International in 2012, and under his leadership, the CHP increased its share of the vote in several elections. However, the party was unable to unseat the ruling AKP.
In an effort to challenge the AKP's dominance, Kldarolu attempted to construct big-tent coalitions with other parties. This strategy culminated in the formation of the Nation Alliance, which included the CHP, the Ä°YÄ° Party, and the Democratic Party. The Nation Alliance won several key municipalities in the 2019 local elections, including Istanbul and Ankara.
In 2023, Kldarolu was the CHP's and the Nation Alliance's joint candidate for the presidential election. Although he lost to incumbent President Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan, Kldarolu's campaign was seen as a significant challenge to the AKP's dominance. After his loss, Kldarolu was voted out as leader of the CHP and was replaced by Ä°brahim Kurul.
Kemal Kldarolu's legacy in Turkish politics is marked by his efforts to modernize the CHP and challenge the AKP's dominance. Although he was unable to win the presidency, his leadership and coalition-building efforts have had a lasting impact on Turkish politics. Today, Kldarolu remains a respected figure in Turkish politics, known for his commitment to democracy and social justice.
"Democracy is not just a system, it's a way of life. We must fight to protect it."
75 Years Old
The 11th President of Turkey, a politician and academic who played a key role in shaping Turkey's modern politics and foreign policy, known for his efforts to strengthen Turkey's ties with the EU.
70 Years Old
Turkish Minister of Transport, known for his efforts to develop Turkey's transportation infrastructure, including the construction of major bridges and tunnels. He also served as Prime Minister of Turkey from 2016 to 2018.
