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Türkiye's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) is facing a deepening internal conflict after former chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu reportedly expressed readiness to return as party leader if a court annuls the party’s most recent congress due to alleged irregularities.
The legal case questioning the legitimacy of the congress, which saw Ozgur Ozel elected as chairman, could result in an absolute nullity ruling on June 30. Kilicdaroglu has privately told allies he would not allow the party to be placed under trustee rule and would instead resume leadership.
According to journalist Saygi Ozturk, Kilicdaroglu dismissed concerns raised by CHP members, stating: “No need to panic. They will react for two or three days. Let them say I won’t be allowed into HQ—if the chairman is somewhere, that place becomes the HQ. Everything will settle. Besides, how will they make decisions? How will they pay salaries, pick MPs or mayors?”
The statement provoked backlash. Chairman Ozgur Ozel warned against undermining party unity, while Ekrem Imamoglu, the recently suspended Istanbul mayor now facing corruption charges, harshly criticized Kilicdaroglu, saying: “This will be remembered with shame. You will be cursed.”
Three former CHP chairmen—Altan Oymen, Hikmet Cetin, and Murat Karayalcin—released a joint statement calling on Kilicdaroglu to de-escalate tensions and respect institutional order.
With the ruling expected in days, CHP risks entering a legal limbo. A decision in Kilicdaroglu’s favor could paralyze party operations and spark leadership confusion, casting doubt over its ability to function as Türkiye’s main opposition ahead of key political battles.
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