Ousted Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel demonstrated significant support on Saturday, drawing thousands in Ankara despite a recent court ruling that removed him from his position, a development that could impact President Tayyip Erdoğan's challengers.
Following a speech to an estimated tens of thousands of supporters, according to the private Anka news agency and opposition-aligned media, Özel led a march through the capital. This action occurred after a court ruling on May 21 annulled the CHP's 2023 party congress, effectively reinstating former chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. Kılıçdaroğlu, a figure who generated division within the party, had previously lost to Erdoğan in the presidential election.
The court's decision is seen as potentially enhancing Erdoğan's prospects for extending his rule, which has spanned over two decades in the NATO member country and significant emerging market economy. In parallel, Kılıçdaroğlu visited the CHP party headquarters for the first time since the ruling, asserting his intent to eliminate corruption within the party, specifically referencing allegations concerning municipalities governed by the CHP. The ousted leadership vehemently denies these accusations, labeling them as politically motivated, a claim the government refutes.
While Kılıçdaroğlu addressed supporters, Özel spoke to a larger assembly outside the CHP's Ankara provincial office. "This is not an internal matter for the CHP," Özel declared. "This is a matter between Erdoğan and the nation. On one side are the seized buildings; on the other, millions standing up for their party and their country." He asserted that the court ruling did not legitimize Kılıçdaroğlu's leadership and called for an immediate party congress, as his supporters chanted slogans such as "Leader Özgür!" and "Traitor Kemal!"
Özel then led a peaceful procession to the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey and the CHP. Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş, who is considered a potential CHP presidential candidate, alongside jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu—widely viewed as Erdoğan's most significant political adversary—also participated in the protest and advocated for a party congress. Kılıçdaroğlu indicated that a congress would be convened "as soon as possible," without providing a specific timeframe.
