ANKARA (AP) — A tense confrontation unfolded Sunday at Turkey’s primary opposition party offices, where members have barricaded themselves inside to prevent a court-mandated leadership change from taking place.
The crisis at the Republican People’s Party, known as CHP, began Thursday after an appeals court overturned the party’s November 2023 leadership election that brought Ozgur Ozel to power, replacing former chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu.
The court decision removes Ozel and the current executive committee from their positions, mandating that Kilicdaroglu and his previous leadership team be reinstated. Party officials argue this judicial intervention represents a politically motivated attack designed to undermine their organization amid numerous ongoing legal battles targeting party members and elected representatives.
The 77-year-old Kilicdaroglu had stepped down after leading the party for 13 years without securing victory in any nationwide contests. In contrast, Ozel achieved a significant triumph against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party during his first major test in the 2024 local elections.
Turkey’s next presidential contest is scheduled for 2028, though Erdogan retains the authority to schedule an earlier vote. His primary political rival, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu from the CHP, has been behind bars since March of last year while facing corruption-related charges in court.
Political analysts widely believe the numerous legal proceedings against the CHP, primarily involving corruption accusations, represent an effort to weaken the opposition before upcoming elections. Government officials maintain that Turkey’s judicial system operates without political interference and makes independent decisions.
The overwhelming majority of party members have shown support for Ozel. He and most party officials have remained inside the CHP’s Ankara headquarters since Thursday’s court ruling, preventing the court-appointed leadership from accessing the building. Both factions planned to hold discussions Sunday afternoon seeking a resolution to the crisis.
Media outlets reported that a group appeared outside the building whom Ozel characterized as non-party members sent to create intimidation. Police numbers increased throughout the morning, and Kilicdaroglu’s attorney, Celal Celik, formally requested Ankara law enforcement assistance in clearing the building. The Ankara Governor’s office issued a statement granting approval for this request.
Erdogan has maintained control over Turkey as either prime minister or president since 2003. His winning streak faced a significant challenge in 2019 when the CHP captured control of multiple major cities during local elections. Imamoglu gained prominence in Istanbul as a compelling political figure whom many believed capable of defeating Erdogan in future contests.
