Ousted Turkish opposition leader draws massive anti-Erdogan crowd in Ankara

Ousted Turkish opposition leader Ozgur Ozel demonstrated his continued influence on Saturday, drawing a massive crowd of thousands in Ankara. This show of support comes despite a recent court ruling that removed him from his leadership position within the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and potentially benefits President Tayyip Erdogan.

Following the court's annulment of the CHP's 2023 party congress, which effectively reinstated former chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu, Ozel addressed his supporters. Anka news agency and other media outlets estimated the crowd at tens of thousands. Ozel then led a march through the capital, framing the situation not as an internal party matter but as a broader struggle between Erdogan and the Turkish people.

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This is not an internal matter for the CHP. This is a matter between Erdogan and the nation. On one side are the seized buildings; on the other, millions standing up for their party and their country.

Kilicdaroglu, who lost to Erdogan in the 2023 presidential election, visited the CHP headquarters and pledged to purge the party of corruption, referencing cases involving CHP-run municipalities. The ousted leadership denies these allegations, labeling them politically motivated, a charge the government rejects. Meanwhile, Ozel addressed a larger gathering, stating, "This is not an internal matter for the CHP. This is a matter between Erdogan and the nation." He asserted that the court ruling lacked legitimacy and called for an immediate party congress.

Supporters chanted "Leader Ozgur!" and "Traitor Kemal!" as Ozel led a peaceful march to the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey and the CHP. Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas, considered a potential alternative CHP presidential candidate, also joined the protest and urged for a party congress. Kilicdaroglu indicated a congress would be held "as soon as possible," but provided no specific timeline.

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Men make use of us more during campaigns; they believe in our ability and capacity to gather votes for them, but when they get into power, they neglect us.