Turkey’s main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), is bracing for a critical court decision that could remove its leader, Ozgur Ozel, deepening political turmoil. An Ankara court is set to rule on whether to annul the CHP’s 2023 congress over alleged procedural irregularities. If annulled, Ozel would be stripped of his chairmanship, potentially replaced by a trustee or former leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu.
The case comes amid an escalating crackdown on the CHP, which has seen hundreds of members jailed on charges of graft and terrorism links. Among them is Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, President Tayyip Erdogan’s main political rival. The centrist CHP, level in polls with Erdogan’s ruling AK Party (AKP), denies all allegations, calling the prosecutions politically motivated.
Ozel, 50, has gained prominence since Imamoglu’s detention, becoming a strong voice against Erdogan’s tightening grip on power. Critics argue the court case highlights Turkey’s slide from competitive authoritarianism to full hegemonic control, where opposition parties exist but lack real power. Seren Selvin Korkmaz of the IstanPol Institute described the move as government interference in party leadership, a step toward eliminating meaningful opposition.
Financial markets have already reacted nervously, with Turkish stocks, bonds, and the lira falling ahead of the decision. Earlier in March, markets plunged when Imamoglu was jailed, reflecting investor concerns about weakening rule of law. Inflation, still above 30%, adds to economic uncertainty.
The ruling could either oust Ozel, reject the case, or delay the process. Meanwhile, anti-government protests have reignited across major cities, including Ankara, with demonstrators denouncing judicial independence as compromised. Authorities further detained 48 people, including a CHP district mayor, intensifying fears of political suppression.
Analysts warn Ozel’s removal would weaken the opposition, fueling internal divisions and boosting Erdogan’s chances of extending his 22-year rule.