The Art of Insults: Exploring the Power of Language in Verbal Attacks
A power struggle is ongoing within the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) in Türkiye, with factions vying for control. The focus has shifted to who can be more effective in opposing the government, with members resorting to insults against President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his supporters as a strategy of opposition.
This habit of insulting the ruling party and its followers dates back to the Democrat Party (DP) era, where the CHP used derogatory language as a form of political action. This trend has continued over the years, with past and present CHP leaders making disparaging remarks towards Erdoğan and his supporters.
Despite some members acknowledging the issue and calling for “reconciliation” and “normalization,” the practice of insults remains deeply ingrained within CHP politics. These derogatory remarks, often used for tactical reasons, ultimately target the electorate itself.
While political competition and criticism are essential in a democracy, the CHP’s internal conflicts have led to a divisive environment where insulting language prevails. This strategy aims to unify the opposition factions and divert attention from their own shortcomings.
The politics of insult within the CHP also seeks to undermine the government’s positive initiatives, set the stage for early elections, and sway new voter groups away from the ruling party. However, the results of such tactics in Turkish politics have been inconsistent.
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Sofia Martins graduated from the Technical University of Madrid with a degree in Agronomy, focusing on plant nutrition and soil science. She has a deep interest in sustainable fertilizer management and works to develop eco-friendly solutions that optimize plant growth while minimizing nutrient runoff. Sofia is a dedicated researcher and has published several articles on sustainable plant nutrition practices.