Turkish opposition mayors demand congress in 45 days to settle leadership

Mayors from Turkey's main opposition party, the social democrats (CHP), are demanding an immediate party congress to settle a leadership crisis. Twelve mayors of major cities held by the CHP signed a joint declaration on Saturday supporting current leader Özgür Özel and calling for a congress within 45 days.

This move comes after a court ruling last Thursday annulled the 2023 party congress where Özel unseated Kemal Kiliçdaroglu, who had led the party since 2010. The court's decision, based on alleged vote buying, has led to Kiliçdaroglu being temporarily reinstated as party leader by a court order. Özel, however, refuses to step down and insists on a swift congress, ideally by May 31.

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Once that congress is convened, I will be happy to have a personal interview with Kiliçdaroglu. But before that, I want to see the announcement of the congress in 40 days published in the newspaper.

Kiliçdaroglu, speaking to the press, urged for the leadership debate to not divide the party's base and suggested the party "must correct its ethical values." This statement was poorly received by Özel's supporters, who view it as an indirect reference to corruption charges against CHP mayors. The party claims these charges are politically motivated by the government to weaken the opposition.

Despite the internal turmoil, Özel was re-elected as the leader of the CHP's parliamentary group on Saturday with 95 votes. Opposition leaders from other parties, including DEM and IYI, have also declared their support for Özel, highlighting the broader political implications of the CHP's internal struggle.

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the party must correct its ethical values.