Turkish court ousts opposition leader in boost to Erdogan

An Ankara appeals court annulled the 2023 congress that elected Ozgur Ozel as leader of Turkey’s opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). The decision was based on alleged irregularities, including claims that Ozel secured his election through promises of jobs and other benefits. The court suspended Ozel and members of the CHP executive board and provisionally replaced them with former leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Kilicdaroglu urged party members to remain calm and said the party would resolve its own internal problems. Ozel vowed not to surrender after the ruling, pledging continued resistance and emphasizing endurance, dignity, courage, and struggle.

"An Ankara appeals court in Ankara annulled the congress which elected Ozgur Ozel as the leader of the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP). Ozel was chosen CHP chairman at the party's 2023 congress, taking over from former opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Under Ozel, however, the CHP has been polling neck-and-neck with the AKP, while Ozel himself became the face of massive street protests in March 2025 following the arrest and imprisonment of former Istanbul mayor and CHP presidential candidate Ekrem Imamoglu."

"Last year, a court ruled in the first instance that the initial case against the 2023 CHP congress had no substance. But the appeals court overturned that on Thursday, declaring the vote null and void due to apparent irregularities, including allegations that Ozel secured his election through promises of jobs and other perks. The court suspended Ozel and members of the party's executive board by provisionally replacing them with Kilicdaroglu, who in turn called for party members to remain calm."

"“Our party is a very large party and it will solve its own problems internally,” he said. Ozel, however, attempted to rally supporters. “We will not give in!” he pledged on social media shortly after the ruling, vowing to continue the fight. “I am not promising you a path to power through a rose garden; I am promising you the ability to endure suffering but never surrender. I am promising you honor, dignity, courage and struggle!”"

Read at www.dw.com