CHP leadership crisis deepens over congress plans
Supporters of Türkiye's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) protest in Istanbul, May 24, 2026.
The main opposition Republician People's Party's (CHP) leadership crisis has shifted to the timing and legality of a new congress after a court ruling annulled the party’s 2023 convention and reinstated former chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu.
Following the “absolute nullity” ruling, Kılıçdaroğlu’s camp has said its priority is to convene the Party Assembly, while Özgür Özel’s side is preparing to begin collecting signatures on June 1 for an extraordinary congress.
Kılıçdaroğlu has said the party should be taken to congress at the “most appropriate time,” while Özel is pressing for a congress within 40 days.
