Supporters Rally in Ankara After Court Ousts Opposition Chief in Escalating Political Dispute

Thousands of supporters gathered in Turkey’s capital on Saturday in a major show of force behind ousted opposition figure Özgür Özel, highlighting growing political tension after a court decision removed him from leadership of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP).

Despite the ruling that annulled the CHP’s 2023 party congress and effectively reinstated former leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, Özel addressed large crowds in Ankara, with estimates ranging from the tens of thousands according to opposition-linked media. The gathering was followed by a march through the capital.

The court decision has sharply divided Turkey’s largest opposition party and intensified debate over its future leadership. Critics say the ruling weakens internal party democracy, while supporters of the decision argue it is part of efforts to address alleged corruption within opposition-run municipalities—claims the CHP denies.

Speaking to supporters, Özel rejected the legitimacy of his removal and framed the dispute as part of a broader national struggle. He called for an urgent party congress, while crowds chanted slogans in his support.

Meanwhile, Kılıçdaroğlu returned to the party headquarters for the first time since the ruling, pledging reforms and vowing to address corruption allegations linked to local governments run by the CHP. His return has further exposed internal divisions, as different factions compete for control of the party’s direction.

Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş also attended the protest and echoed calls for a swift party congress, reflecting growing pressure within opposition ranks to resolve the leadership dispute.

The political turmoil comes at a sensitive time for Turkey, with analysts suggesting that divisions within the opposition could strengthen President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s position ahead of future electoral contests.

After the rally, demonstrators marched peacefully to Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of modern Turkey’s founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, in a symbolic show of support for the country’s secular political tradition and the CHP’s historical roots.

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