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Thousands gathered in Ankara on Sunday to protest a looming court decision that could reshape Türkiye’s main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP). The court is set to rule Monday on whether to annul the party’s 2023 congress and remove its current leader, Özgür Özel, amid allegations of procedural irregularities.
Özel, addressing demonstrators, accused the government of undermining democratic institutions, stating it is “eager to transition to a dictatorship without elections.” He also called for a snap general election, framing the legal proceedings as politically motivated.
Elected in 2023 following a tense two-round vote, Özel replaced longtime leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and led the CHP to significant victories in the 2024 local elections. His leadership marked a push for internal reform and broader opposition unity.
The case unfolds against a backdrop of intensified pressure on opposition figures. Over 500 CHP members, including mayors, have been detained on corruption charges. In March, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu’s arrest triggered the largest nationwide protests in over a decade.
If the congress is invalidated, analysts warn of a potential power vacuum within the CHP and possible shifts in the timing of the 2028 presidential election. Amnesty International has criticized the crackdown on protesters, citing threats to peaceful assembly and democratic pluralism.
Excerpts from jurist.org article by Bekim Bruka | JURIST Staff, US
Grand National Assembly of Turkey Picture by brewbooks
