Özel insists he remains CHP chair despite court restrictions
Supporters of main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) listen to speeches by deposed leader Ozgur Ozel during a rally in Izmir, May 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Erdem Şahin)
Removed main opposition leader Özgür Özel argued on May 28 that a precautionary measure included in a court ruling that declared the Republican People’s Party (CHP) leadership election “completely void” does not strip him of his authority.
The ruling was legally flawed, Özel told reporters in the western city of İzmir, maintaining that he remains CHP chairman despite restrictions outlined in the decision.
“There is a completely unlawful decision here, stating that I cannot exercise certain powers related to the chairmanship until the court decision is finalized,” Özel said.
