Turkish Court Removes CHP Istanbul Leadership Amid Legal Crackdown

On September 2, 2025, a Turkish court annulled the results of the Republican People's Party's (CHP) Istanbul provincial congress held in October 2023, leading to the removal of provincial chairman Özgür Çelik and his executive team. The court appointed a caretaker board led by Gürsel Tekin, a veteran party figure, alongside Zeki Sen, Hasan Babacan, Müjdat Gürbüz, and Erkan Narsap. This ruling has been interpreted as a significant blow to the CHP, which is the main opposition party to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

Court removes Istanbul CHP leaders, appoints pro-Erdogan officialsCourt removes opposition party’s Istanbul leaders, appoints caretaker board in blow to Erdogan rivalsCHP expels longtime party figure after accepting role on court-appointed caretaker boardRemoval of main opposition’s Istanbul leaders sparks outcry, seen as prelude to ousting of chairmanCourt annuls CHP Istanbul congress, removes provincial leadership in critical verdictTekin takes over as CHP Istanbul chief after expulsion from party

The court's decision has sparked widespread criticism from CHP officials, who argue that it undermines the party's internal democracy. CHP leader Özgür Özel stated that the party does not recognize the court's ruling, calling it a "seizure of authority." He emphasized that Çelik remains the legitimate chair and announced plans to expel any party member who accepts a position on the caretaker board.

Removal of main opposition’s Istanbul leaders sparks outcry, seen as prelude to ousting of chairman

The ruling comes amid a broader crackdown on the CHP, which has seen numerous arrests and legal challenges against its members, including Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who was jailed earlier this year. The CHP has faced allegations of irregularities during its internal elections, with prosecutors seeking prison sentences for several officials, including Çelik, for alleged vote manipulation. The court's decision to annul the Istanbul congress is seen as part of a coordinated effort to weaken the CHP ahead of upcoming elections.

The New Arab

The ruling has drawn sharp reactions from various political figures. Imamoglu condemned the decision as an attack on democracy, urging supporters to resist in court. The pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party described the ruling as unconstitutional, while the Workers’ Party of Turkey criticized the government for seeking political outcomes through the judiciary rather than at the ballot box. Conversely, pro-government commentators framed the ruling as a necessary measure to address alleged irregularities.

Removal of main opposition’s Istanbul leaders sparks outcry, seen as prelude to ousting of chairman

Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunç defended the court's decision, stating it was a precautionary measure during ongoing legal proceedings. However, analysts warn that this ruling could set a precedent for further legal actions against the CHP, including a pending case that could challenge the legitimacy of Özel's leadership.

Removal of main opposition’s Istanbul leaders sparks outcry, seen as prelude to ousting of chairman

Critics argue that the court's actions reflect a broader strategy by Erdogan's government to dismantle the opposition. Observers have noted that the ruling may pave the way for similar actions against the CHP's national leadership, potentially leading to the ousting of Özel. European Parliament rapporteur Nacho Sánchez Amor expressed concerns that these developments threaten Turkey's multi-party democracy, suggesting that the annulment of the Istanbul congress could be a precursor to a more extensive crackdown.

Reuters

The CHP plans to appeal the court's ruling, asserting that it lacks legal basis and undermines the authority of the Supreme Election Council. The next hearing regarding the national congress is scheduled for September 15, 2025, which could have significant implications for the party's leadership structure. As the CHP navigates this legal turmoil, the political landscape in Turkey remains fraught with tension, raising questions about the future of opposition politics in the country.

Removal of main opposition’s Istanbul leaders sparks outcry, seen as prelude to ousting of chairman

• “They think they can silence us and create an opposition that suits them, but we will not bow,” — Özgür Özel, CHP Leader

Thousands protest after court ousts main opposition party’s Istanbul leaders

• “We will continue our legal and political struggle against those who seek to usurp our will through judicial means.” — Ali Mahir Basarir, CHP Deputy Chair

Court annuls CHP Istanbul congress, removes provincial leadership in critical verdict

• “The cancellation gave a reminder to the market of the political noise and the related tensions that had been forgotten over the summer but were brewing for September,” — Tufan Comert, Emerging Market Strategist at BBVA

CityLab

This situation underscores the ongoing struggle for political power in Turkey, as the CHP faces unprecedented challenges from the government and the judiciary.

Reuters