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3w ago

Court Reinstates Kılıçdaroğlu as CHP Splits and Police Evict Protesters

Analysts warn the court ruling, followed by a police eviction of CHP protesters, increases the chance of a snap presidential vote that could let President Erdoğan seek another term.

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Ozgur Ozel rallied thousands of protesters in Izmir on Tuesday, telling them he would push for a party leadership vote as soon as possible
Riot police have not hesitated to use tear gas and water cannon against party leaders and protesters, as they did at a rally in Izmir
Supporters of Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the former Republican People’s Party (CHP) chairman reinstated by a court decision, gather outside the party's headquarters in Ankara, Turkey, May 24, 2026. REUTERS/Efekan Akyuz

Overview

  • A Turkish appeals court last week annulled the CHP's 2023 leadership primary and reinstated Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, creating an internal legitimacy fight with ousted leader Özgür Özel.
  • Supporters of Özel barricaded the CHP headquarters in Ankara and were removed by riot police who used tear gas to clear the building, escalating tensions inside the party.
  • Kılıçdaroğlu says the party will hold a congress once legal conditions are met and follow party rules, while Özel refuses to leave and urges a vote among the party's roughly 2 million members.
  • Political analysts say the leadership crisis raises the likelihood of an early presidential election because a divided opposition would advantage President Erdoğan and could affect how term limits apply.
  • The dispute sits against a wider pattern of legal pressure on CHP figures since the party's 2024 local gains, including the 2025 arrest of Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a trend that has strained party operations and voter confidence.