Turkey's opposition CHP in turmoil as court reinstates former leader

A political rift has emerged within Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) after a court ruling declared the 2023 party congress invalid and ousted leader Özgür Özel. Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, Özel's predecessor, was temporarily reinstated as party chairman by the court, leading to parallel rallies in Ankara.

Thousands gathered in Güvenpark to support the ousted Özel, who denounced the court's decision as politically motivated interference by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. "This matter concerns Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the people," Özel declared to his supporters, rejecting claims that it was merely an internal party dispute. Meanwhile, Kılıçdaroğlu addressed supporters near the party headquarters, vowing to "clean up" the party and hold new leadership elections soon.

“

This matter concerns Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the people.

The court's decision has sparked protests, with the opposition alleging that the government is manipulating internal party conflicts to weaken the CHP. Kılıçdaroğlu is widely seen as a less formidable opponent for President Erdoğan compared to Özel. The situation intensified as Kılıçdaroğlu entered the party headquarters for the first time since his reinstatement, an act that followed police intervention with tear gas to clear Özel and his allies from the building after the court ruling. Kılıçdaroğlu symbolically released white doves outside the headquarters, signaling a new phase for the party.

“

And whoever emerges as the winner from this election will be the rightful chairman of the party.