Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) condemned comments made by main-opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) chairman Özgür Özel, who had questioned President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s standing as a “respectable statesman.” In a statement posted on social media on 16 July, AK Party spokesperson Ömer Çelik said Özel’s remarks were “devoid of political etiquette and moral standards,” adding that the electorate—not the CHP—determines who is regarded as a credible political figure. Çelik accused Özel of subjecting the CHP to “intellectual and political tutelage” and alleged that the opposition leader’s approach invited external interference in Turkish politics. The spokesman further argued that repeated electoral victories had already validated Erdoğan’s legitimacy and leadership. Özel has not yet issued a response to Çelik’s criticism.