Turkey's CHP expels 49 members amid internal power struggle

The leadership of Turkey's Republican People's Party (CHP) has initiated disciplinary action against 49 members, proposing their expulsion from the party. The stated reason for these proposed expulsions is alleged activity supporting a "NEW Party." This move is interpreted by some as a strategic maneuver within the ongoing internal power dynamics of the CHP.

Central to this conflict is a recent "absolute nullity" decision, the implications of which are still unfolding. If this decision is overturned by the courts, the current members of the CHP's Party Council (PM), elected under the leadership of Özgür Özel, would be positioned to take over party management. The proposed expulsions target members of the PM elected during Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's tenure, suggesting an effort to preemptively remove potential rivals or those who might support a different faction should the nullity ruling be invalidated.

Among those facing expulsion are notable figures, including Oya Ünlü, daughter of former minister Fikret Ünlü and advisor to Kemal Derviş, and retired Rear Admiral Yankı Bağcıoğlu, former Head of Operations for the Navy. Even individuals with close ties to Kılıçdaroğlu, such as Polat Şaroğlu, and Sevgi Kılıç, the sole veiled member of the PM, are reportedly included in the list.

Aylin Nazlıaka, former head of the CHP Women's Branches and a PM member, commented on the situation, stating that the expulsions aim to block the return of elected PM members should the nullity decision be annulled. She explained that the current leadership had not resigned earlier due to the risk of the party being left without management if the nullity case resulted in an annulment. This internal strife highlights a significant power struggle within the CHP, with potential ramifications for its future direction and leadership.

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The meaning and purpose of the expulsion decisions... All those whose expulsion is sought are PM members. The meaning and purpose of this is to prevent the possibility of elected PM members returning to their duties if the nullity decision is annulled. We have not resigned from the CHP until today because there was a possibility and risk of the party being left without management if an annulment decision was made in the absolute nullity case.