Turkish Appeals Court Ousts 51-Year-Old CHP Leader, Reinstating Kılıçdaroğlu
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 24
Turkish Appeals Court Ousts 51-Year-Old CHP Leader, Reinstating Kılıçdaroğlu
13 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 24
Thursday’s ruling annulled the CHP’s 2023 leadership vote, removing Özgür Özel and restoring former leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu ahead of a presidential race due in 2028 but widely expected earlier.
Özel had revived the main opposition party and helped it rout President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s AKP in the 2024 local elections, making his removal a major blow to the CHP.
The decision lands amid a broader crackdown: hundreds of CHP officials have been arrested, and Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu—detained the day he was named presidential candidate—faces charges carrying more than 1,900 years.
Markets signaled alarm after the move, with Turkey’s stock market dropping 6% and the lira hitting record lows before a partial rebound, as inflation expectations for 2026 were raised to 24%.
Critics called the ruling a "judicial coup," arguing it further narrows who can credibly challenge Erdoğan, who could seek another term if early elections are called.
With Turkey's opposition leaders jailed or ousted, is the 2028 presidential election already decided?
As Erdoğan dismantles Turkish democracy, why has significant international pushback failed to materialize?
Turkey’s 2026 Judicial Coup: CHP Leadership Ousted Amid Escalating Political and Economic Instability
Overview
On May 24, 2026, a Turkish appeals court annulled the 2023 CHP congress, leading to the ousting of party leader Özgür Özel and the reinstatement of former chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Özel condemned the ruling as a 'judicial coup,' vowed resistance, and led a protest march. The opposition widely sees this court decision as politically motivated and designed to weaken the CHP, especially as the party faces numerous legal cases against its members. This event highlights growing concerns about judicial intervention in Turkish politics and the increasing pressure on the main opposition party.