Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the opposition candidate to challenge Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the upcoming elections, confirmed plans to visit the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP).
The main opposition leader’s comments come after speculation that his Republican People’s Party (CHP) or other constituents of the alliance would not approve of the visit.
“Of course I will also visit the HDP. As a presidential candidate who claims he will be president for all 85 million citizens, it is necessary for democracy that I visit all parties. What harm could there be in my visit?” Kılıçdaroğlu told Halk TV’s Fikret Bila. “There cannot be anything more natural than me visiting HDP. I am of an understanding that tries to reach all sections of society.”
HDP co-chair Mithat Sancar, upon the announcement of Kılıçdaroğlu’s candidacy, invited him to visit the party to explore a possible agreement on principles, and whether the party would back the opposition alliance.