Turkish main opposition slams gov’t by referencing Netflix global hits 'La Casa de Papel' and 'Narcos'

Turkey's main opposition CHP has criticized the ruling AKP over its corruption scandals and alleged connections with the mafia, by drawing a parallel between the country's current governance system and events taking place in Netflix's global smash hits “La Casa de Papel” and “Narcos.”

This collage photo shows some of the cast of 'La Casa de Papel' and 'Narcos.'

Duvar English

Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has criticized the government and especially President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in a not so veiled reference. 

Implying that Erdoğan and his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) officials have robbed citizens of millions of dollars, Kılıçdaroğlu referenced the Netflix series “La Casa De Papel” (Money Heist) on his Twitter account.

The CHP leader shared the official trailer of the Spanish series' Season 5 Part 2, which will mark the end of the show.

Responding to Netflix Turkey's remarks for the show that “A robbery is ending. And an era is coming to an end,” Kılıçdaroğlu wrote: “Yes, it is true but he is unfortunately running away from the elections.”

Although not mentioning his name, it was clear that Kılıçdaroğlu was making a reference to Erdoğan's hesitancy to call for early elections in the country and insistence to hold the elections as planned in 2023.

Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu responded to Kılıçdaroğlu on Twitter, implying that the CHP will lose in the elections, which is why the CHP leader will have time “to watch a lot of series at home.”

“Do not worry KK [Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu], as was the case before 10 times, in 2023 as well, when you take your lesson, you will watch a lot of series at home,” Soylu wrote, referencing Kılıçdaroğlu's tweet.

Later, CHP group deputy chairs Engin Özkoç and Özgür Özel joined the discussion, this time making a reference to another Netflix series called “Narcos.”

Özkoç tweeted, “Do not get involved in a series you do not know! Your series is #NarcosSoylu,” implying the minister's alleged connections to the mafia and underground criminal organizations.

Similarly, Özel also referenced Soylu's tweet, recalling the AKP's humiliating loss for the control of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality during the 2019 local elections.

CHP's Ekrem İmamoğlu had won against AKP opponenet Binali Yıldırım in a repeat mayor election, infliciting a major defeat on Erdoğan.

“Unsensible Crime-Works Minister. When you said in the Istanbul elections, 'We are widening the difference [in votes], winning,' you later on Sunday night opened Mr. Binali's car door and sent him home. The way things stand, you will be destined to open Erdoğan's door and send him away,” tweeted Özel.

Amid the opposition's call for early elections, Erdoğan has been saying that they will be held as scheduled in June 2023. Opposition parties have been saying that the AKP can no longer govern the country and there is a need for a change in political climate to fix Turkey's economic problems.