Former CHP leader hospitalized over blood clot to his brain

Deniz Baykal, the former leader of the main opposition Republican People’s Party’s (CHP), was taken to hospital early on Oct. 16 over a blood clot in a major artery going to his brain.

Initial medical examinations at a private hospital showed that Baykal had suffered from a vascular occlusion, after which he was transferred to Ankara University’s İbn-i Sina Hospital. He is now in intensive care.

“[Baykal] was transferred to our hospital for an immediate medical response to the decrease in performance of the left side of his brain. The medical team has removed the blood clot blocking one of the main arteries going into his brain,” Ankara University Rector Ercan İbiş said at a press conference on Oct. 16.

“There were no complications and the blood flow to the brain has returned to normal. He has to be under surveillance for 48 hours in intensive care. We believe he will return to his full functions soon,” İbiş added.

The doctors who performed the operation said Baykal’s loss of sensation in his left side was returning to normal, he is lucid and aware of the process.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım and CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu have all called him to be briefed about Baykal’s condition, İbiş said.

Presidential sources also say Erdoğan called Baykal’s family to convey his best wishes.

A fixture in the Turkish political scene for over 40 years, Baykal has served cabinets as deputy prime minister and minister in numerous cabinets. He also served as a leader of the CHP for 17 years in total.