CHP Challenges Leadership Decision and Defends Party Authority
Turkey’s main opposition party intensified resistance on Friday after a court ruling removed its current leader and annulled its 2023 party congress, escalating a political crisis that critics say could reshape the country’s political landscape.
The court cited unspecified irregularities linked to the Republican People’s Party (CHP) congress and reinstated former chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu as party leader, replacing current chairman Ozgur Ozel.
However, CHP leaders immediately rejected the decision and described it as a “judicial coup.” Ozel vowed to challenge the ruling through legal channels and stated that he would continue operating from the party’s headquarters in Ankara.
Meanwhile, political observers described the case as a major test of Turkey’s democratic institutions and the balance between political authority and judicial power.
Several opposition parties also criticised the ruling and argued that courts should not interfere in internal political party matters.
Economic and Political Uncertainty Expands Following Ruling
The decision also triggered market concerns, leading Turkish assets to weaken while the national currency briefly touched a record low. Consequently, reports indicated that the central bank intervened through large foreign reserve sales to support market stability.
Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz downplayed market concerns and insisted that the government would continue implementing its economic programme.
Additionally, the CHP continued facing broader legal pressure after authorities detained hundreds of party members and elected officials since 2024 over charges the party strongly denies.
Among those detained is Ekrem Imamoglu, widely viewed as a major political rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and a possible future presidential candidate.
Meanwhile, the CHP appealed to Turkey’s Supreme Election Board, arguing that only the electoral authority can invalidate a party congress.
