23.05.2026 11:40
After the cancellation of CHP's 38th Ordinary Congress by a court decision, a reaction also came from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. In a statement from the Socialist International, which Sanchez chairs, the annulment decision was described as 'This is a mockery of a democratic system.'
The Ankara 36th Regional Court of Appeal's decision to invalidate the CHP's 38th Ordinary Congress held on November 4-5, 2023, due to "irregularities" and "distortion of delegates' will," has resonated widely not only in Turkey but also in the international public opinion. With this ruling, the elected administration of the CHP and the powers of its Chairman, Özgür Özel, were temporarily suspended.
SPANISH LEADER PEDRO'S CHAIRED SOCIALIST INTERNATIONAL REACTS TO THE DECISION
The Socialist International, headquartered in Spain and led by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, issued an official statement regarding the development, expressing opposition to the decision and announcing support for the CHP and Özgür Özel.
The Socialist International described the 'absolute nullity' decision in Turkey as "completely unlawful" and included the following statements:
"This decision is a blow to Turkey's democratic system. It is also a continuation of the unprecedented ban against Ekrem İmamoğlu. Turkey is entering a dark period. It is a well-orchestrated plan to eliminate the main opposition party. A roadmap for an authoritarian system. The EU can no longer remain blind and silent. By weaponizing justice in this way, Turkish authorities are acting as if they have appointed a trustee for the 'new' leader of the opposition, over the century-old CHP. This is a mockery of a democratic system."
The statement also included messages expressing the Socialist International's solidarity with the CHP and its current administration, and its commitment to defending democracy.
BAHÇELİ AND ERDOĞAN HAD PRAISED HIM
In previous months, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had referred to Pedro Sánchez as a "valuable friend" and "brother," particularly praising Sánchez's clear stance against Israel on the Palestinian issue. MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli, in his statement on March 24, 2026, argued that Sánchez's stance set an example for all Muslim countries.