Rival leaders inside Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) announce separate meetings with party lawmakers on Tuesday, escalating a stand-off that could widen the opposition’s internal crisis. One leader has been elected, while the other is described in reporting as being controversially appointed by a court. Both sides say they plan to address CHP lawmakers at competing gatherings, turning the dispute into an open confrontation among President Tayyip Erdogan’s challengers.
The standoff follows a recent court ruling in which Turkey’s courts annul part of the CHP leadership structure connected to the party’s 2023 arrangements. Reporting indicates that the court decision has contributed to the legitimacy dispute between the two rival CHP figures, as each asserts authority over party decision-making. The competing meetings are expected to test whether CHP lawmakers align with one faction or the other, potentially affecting party unity and its ability to coordinate politically ahead of future elections or legislative moves.
The announcements underline that the leadership conflict is not limited to legal proceedings and is moving into direct party mobilisation.
