Ongoing turmoil within Turkey's main opposition CHP: Leadership dispute, departures, and theatrical scenes
In a dramatic turn of events, the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) in Turkey has been embroiled in a leadership crisis, marked by arrests, court battles, and political drama.
The saga began in March 2025 with the 'Clean Hands' operation, targeting alleged corruption and organized crime inside the Istanbul municipality. The operation culminated in the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on charges of forming and leading a criminal organization, bribery, and bid rigging. Imamoglu's arrest sent shockwaves through CHP and Turkish politics, with the party's leadership condemning the operation as "political engineering" designed to eliminate a popular rival to President Erdogan.
Imamoglu was sent to Silivri Prison and suspended from office. His legal troubles did not end there, as he faced additional cases alleging the use of a fake diploma and an indictment for "insult." Several detained figures turned state's witnesses, providing testimony that allegedly implicated Imamoglu in a bribery network linked to municipal tenders and resources.
The arrest of Imamoglu and the subsequent removal of the provincial leadership of CHP by the 45th Civil Court of First Instance in mid-2025, and the appointment of Gursel Tekin as trustee, sparked intense debate over external interference in party affairs. The court consolidated the cases at Ankara's 42nd Civil Court of First Instance, and on Sept. 15, held a major hearing but did not issue a decision, adjourning the trial to Oct. 24.
Meanwhile, the election of Ozgur Ozel as CHP leader was challenged in court by a group of delegates and former party officials, who claimed irregularities such as offering financial incentives and partisan behavior. However, the court did not impose an interim injunction, meaning Ozel and his team remained in charge pending a final ruling.
Ozgur Ozel, the current CHP leader, declared that CHP cannot be shaped by judicial hand or run by trustees. If the court rules for "absolute nullity," the November 2023 congress would be void, restoring Kemal Kilicdaroglu and his old Central Executive Board. If the lawsuits are rejected, Ozel's leadership would be cemented.
The CHP members mobilized to resist the trustee's authority, with the Istanbul provincial office address being shifted and party staff erecting barricades. Key figures such as IBB Deputy Secretary General Mahir Polat, Beylikduzu former mayor Murat Calik, and Sisli former mayor Resul Emrah Sahan were also detained.
Amidst the chaos, former leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu returned to the stage with a pointed statement, stating "I will not let CHP be handed over to a trustee." The main opposition party held a historic congress in November 2023, during which Ozel was elected as the new party leader, replacing Kilicdaroglu.
If the court annuls the process but requires a new congress, the party would be required to hold a new congress. The climate of uncertainty continues, as the outcome of the ongoing trials could significantly impact the future of the CHP and Turkish politics.
