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There are reports that if trustees are appointed to the Republican People’s Party (CHP), former party leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu and his team, who are expected to be called back to manage the party, have already begun efforts to restructure the party. The initial phase of this process is said to involve the expulsion of prominent figures such as Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and CHP parliamentary group leader Ozgur Ozel. In response, Imamoglu and Ozel are reportedly preparing to establish a new political party.
The fate of the CHP’s 38th Ordinary Congress, originally scheduled for Nov. 4–5, 2023, remains uncertain. A court hearing concerning the cancellation of the congress, set for June 30, may not result in an immediate decision. Meanwhile, a related criminal case is not expected to conclude within the next two years. Considering the appeals and Supreme Court procedures involved in both cases, the overall process is likely to be prolonged.
Within CHP circles, various scenarios are being debated depending on potential court rulings. It is suggested that allies of former leader Kilicdaroglu are preparing to redesign the party’s structure. Should the congress be annulled, plans are reportedly underway to decide who will assume leadership roles and when a new congress will be convened.
If the court annuls the congress, it is widely expected that Kilicdaroglu will return as party leader. Sources close to him indicate that Kilicdaroglu aims to reclaim his position and hold accountable those responsible for previous actions against him. In this case, it is anticipated that a new congress would not take place for at least a year.
Discussions also include the possibility that Imamoglu, currently detained on corruption allegations, along with several others, could be expelled from the party. Ozgur Ozel and his supporters may respond by collecting delegate signatures to initiate an extraordinary congress if Kilicdaroglu returns and delays party elections.
Recently, Ozel visited Imamoglu at the Marmara Closed Penal Institution, where the former Istanbul mayor remains in custody. Speculation continues that the internal conflict within CHP could escalate to the point where Ozel and his faction form a new political party.
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