The Ankara Regional Court of Justice ruled that the Republican People’s Party's (CHP) 38th Ordinary Elective Congress was legally invalid due to absolute nullity. It accordingly removed Özgür Özel, the leader of the main opposition CHP, and the party’s current administration from office and reinstated former leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and his administration.
According to the court’s decision, the Nov. 4-5, 2023, CHP congress, along with all decisions made during those gatherings, were rendered invalid because of the annulment ruling. In addition, according to the decision, Kılıçdaroğlu and the party organs in office before the congress should continue their duties until the ruling becomes final.
Although the ongoing CHP administration and many opposition circles have linked the case to the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government, the case originated from within the CHP when some party officials, such as former Hatay Mayor Lütfü Savaş, filed the lawsuit. Later, the case was largely shaped by the statements and testimonies of CHP delegates themselves. In other words, the entire process was initiated within the CHP and was ultimately shaped by the interventions of CHP members.
