Turkey Opposition Resists Court Move Ousting Ozel, Reinstating Kilicdaroglu as Lira Hits Record Low
Updated
Updated · NBC News · May 22
Turkey Opposition Resists Court Move Ousting Ozel, Reinstating Kilicdaroglu as Lira Hits Record Low
11 articles · Updated · NBC News · May 22
Turkey’s CHP rejected an appeals court ruling that annulled its 2023 congress, removed leader Ozgur Ozel and restored former chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu, calling the decision a “judicial coup.”
The party appealed to the Supreme Election Board, arguing only the YSK can void a party congress, while Ozel said he would keep working from CHP headquarters in Ankara.
Markets reacted sharply: the lira touched a record low, stocks swung after an initial plunge and the central bank sold billions of dollars in reserves to steady trading.
Analysts said the unprecedented ruling could deepen political instability, fuel dollarisation and complicate Turkey’s fight against inflation, which was still above 32% last month.
The case adds to pressure on the main opposition after detentions since 2024, including jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, and may increase the chances of an early election before 2028.
Is the judicial ousting of an opposition leader the final blow to Turkish democracy?
After a 'judicial coup' reinstated its old leader, will Turkey's main opposition party now split in two?
As a political crisis sinks the Turkish lira, can the central bank prevent a full-scale economic meltdown?
Unprecedented Court Ruling Overturns CHP Congress: Judicial Intervention Deepens Turkey’s Political Crisis and Market Turmoil (May 2026)
Overview
On May 21, 2026, the Ankara appeals court annulled the 2023 congress of Turkey’s main opposition party, the CHP, ordering a return to its previous leadership structure. This ruling reinstated former chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and suspended Özgür Özel, who had taken over after the congress. The decision sparked immediate political turmoil, deepening divisions within the CHP and raising concerns about judicial interference in party politics. The unprecedented court action not only disrupted the party’s internal dynamics but also triggered market instability and intensified debates about the erosion of democratic principles and the rule of law in Turkey.