Turkish opposition leader denounces political pressure after court removal

Tuesday 26 May 2026 - 15:15

Political tensions intensified in Turkey after opposition leader Özgür Özel accused the government of interfering in democratic institutions following a controversial court decision that removed him from leadership of the main opposition party.

Speaking during a large gathering in the western city of Izmir, Özel rejected the judicial ruling and described it as an attempt to weaken the opposition movement ahead of future national elections. Supporters gathered despite a heavy police presence and restrictions imposed around the demonstration site.

The dispute began after a court in Ankara invalidated Özel’s leadership of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), citing alleged irregularities during the party’s congress held in 2023. The court appointed former CHP chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu as interim leader, a move strongly opposed by many party members.

Özel insisted that the issue goes beyond internal party politics and reflects a broader struggle over democracy and political representation in Turkey. Addressing supporters, he argued that the opposition’s growing popularity has increased pressure from the ruling authorities.

Police forces attempted to prevent demonstrators from accessing the rally area and reportedly used water cannons and crowd-control measures to disperse groups gathered near party headquarters. Images of the confrontation circulated widely on national television and social media platforms.

Despite the tensions, Özel announced plans to organize a new party congress after the Eid al-Adha holiday period. He called for fresh internal elections and stated that only party members and voters should decide the future leadership of the CHP.

The political crisis comes at a sensitive moment for the Turkish opposition. In recent local elections, the CHP achieved significant victories in major cities, including Istanbul, strengthening its position against President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the ruling government.

The arrest of Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu in 2025 further intensified political divisions in the country. İmamoğlu, considered one of the most influential opposition figures, has denied corruption allegations brought against him and continues to receive strong public support.

Political observers say the ongoing confrontation between the government and opposition parties could shape Turkey’s political climate in the years leading to the next presidential election scheduled for 2028.