Constructing counter-hegemony in left-wing populist discourse: A critical discourse analysis of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's 2018-2019 group meeting speeches

This study aims to make a unique and empirical contribution to the Turkish populism literature through a discourse analysis framed by left populism and counter- hegemony theories. Specifically, the examination of the speeches by the leader of the main opposition party CHP, Kılıçdaroğlu, following the 2018 General Elections and previous local elections in 2019, will provide significant insights into the dynamics of left populist discourses and hegemonic struggles in Turkey. The current political context in Turkey offers opportunities for the formation of counter-hegemony. The alliance structures necessitated by the new government system following the 2017 constitutional amendment and the economic and political crises in Turkish politics lay the groundwork for this situation. In this context, the study not only presents a theoretical discussion but also aims to provide a unique perspective on Turkish populism with concrete and empirical data, thereby making a valuable contribution to the existing literature.