Turkey’s political opposition is resisting an unprecedented court ruling that ousts its leader and annuls its 2023 congress, deepening a broader political crisis. Multiple outlets report that the appeals court decision targets the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and is based on alleged unspecified irregularities in the party’s 2023 congress. The ruling removes CHP’s leadership and cancels the congress, according to the reports, prompting condemnation from opposition figures.
The CHP and its officials describe the decision as politically motivated. France 24 notes the party condemns the ruling as a “judicial coup” and says CHP leader Özgür Özel intends to challenge the ruling through legal appeals. Reuters and others report that the opposition signals it will resist the ruling rather than comply, with Özel pledging a continuous presence at the CHP’s headquarters in Ankara. Critics cited in the reports say the overall effect could be to prolong President Tayyip Erdoğan’s long tenure, which spans more than two decades. The situation remains active as the opposition prepares further legal steps.
