Turkey’s former opposition chief Ozgur Ozel proved his political influence remains strong Saturday, attracting tens of thousands of supporters to a demonstration in Ankara following a court decision that stripped him of his leadership position and potentially strengthened President Tayyip Erdogan’s grip on power.
Following his speech to the massive crowd – with attendance figures reaching into the tens of thousands according to private Anka news agency and opposition-aligned media – Ozel guided supporters through Turkey’s capital in response to last week’s court decision removing him from his role leading the primary opposition CHP party.
The judicial ruling invalidated the CHP’s 2023 party convention, bringing back previous chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu – a controversial figure among party members who suffered defeat against Erdogan in that year’s presidential race.
This development may strengthen Erdogan’s prospects for continuing his leadership of more than twenty years in the NATO member nation and significant emerging economy.
Saturday saw Kilicdaroglu making his first appearance at CHP party headquarters since the May 21 court decision, where he promised to eliminate party corruption, referencing cases involving CHP-controlled municipal governments.
The removed leadership rejects these accusations, labeling them as having political motivations, which the government disputes.
While Kilicdaroglu addressed party members, Ozel spoke to a larger gathering outside the party’s Ankara regional headquarters.
“This is not an internal matter for the CHP,” Ozel declared. “This is a matter between Erdogan and the nation. On one side are the seized buildings; on the other, millions standing up for their party and their country.”
He argued the court’s decision failed to validate Kilicdaroglu’s authority and demanded an immediate party convention, while supporters shouted “Leader Ozgur!” and “Traitor Kemal!”
Ozel then guided a non-violent march to the memorial site of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who established modern Turkey and founded the CHP.
Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas, viewed as a potential CHP presidential nominee alongside imprisoned Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu – who remains Erdogan’s most significant political opponent – participated in the demonstration and also demanded a party convention.
Kilicdaroglu indicated such a gathering would occur “as soon as possible,” though he provided no specific timeframe.
