21.05.2026 20:20
In the international press, the 'absolute nullity' decision regarding the CHP's 38th Ordinary Congress was considered a critical development for the opposition; news reports included comments that the decision has brought political uncertainty, leadership crisis, and early election discussions back to the agenda.
The decision by the Ankara Regional Court of Appeals 36th Civil Chamber that the CHP’s 38th Ordinary Congress held on November 4-5, 2023, was invalid due to absolute nullity has resonated widely in the international press.
International media outlets such as Bloomberg, Reuters, AFP, Al-Monitor, and Euronews have assessed the ruling as a critical development for the future of the opposition in Turkey, with reports noting that discussions of political uncertainty and a potential leadership crisis have been revived.
ATTENTION DRAWN TO POTENTIAL LEADERSHIP CRISIS
US-based Bloomberg, in its article titled “A court in Turkey removed opposition leader Özgür Özel, dealing a major blow to Erdoğan's rivals,” wrote that a Turkish court’s decision invalidating Özgür Özel’s chairmanship of the CHP is seen as a serious setback for the opposition against President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The report stated that the court accepted claims of irregularities in the CHP’s 2023 congress process and issued a ruling of absolute nullity, casting doubt on the legal legitimacy of Özel’s administration. It noted that the decision has raised the possibility that former CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu could return to lead the party.
The article assessed that a potential leadership crisis within the CHP could weaken the opposition’s stance in debates over early elections and the constitution.
“COULD ALSO IMPACT FINANCIAL MARKETS”
Reuters news agency also reported that the court found irregularities in the CHP’s 38th Ordinary Congress and annulled the convention, bringing up the possibility of former CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu returning to lead the party.
While it was noted that the CHP has rejected all accusations and regarded the process as a “politically motivated judicial operation,” it was stated that the government side maintains the view that the judiciary in Turkey is independent.
Reuters reminded that the decision could impact not only the CHP but also financial markets, recalling that similar legal processes have previously put pressure on the Turkish lira and bonds.
REFERENCE TO LOCAL ELECTIONS
France-based news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP) in its report stated, “A court in Ankara has suspended the leadership of the country’s main opposition party, the CHP. The CHP had achieved a significant victory against President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s ruling AK Party in the 2024 local elections.”
“COULD AFFECT EARLY ELECTION DISCUSSIONS”
US-based Al-Monitor, known for its Middle East news and articles, reported that CHP figures have described the decision as a “political operation,” while ruling circles argue the process is a matter of an independent judiciary.
The article also commented that a potential leadership crisis could damage the opposition’s image of unity against President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and influence discussions on early elections.
“DECISION CREATES LEGAL AND POLITICAL CRISIS DEBATE IN THE PARTY”
European broadcaster Euronews wrote that the decision has created a serious legal and political crisis within the party leadership.
The report noted that the legitimacy of Özgür Özel and the current administration has become contentious. Euronews explained that the ruling of absolute nullity means the action is considered as never having occurred in law and noted that there are discussions about the possibility of former CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu returning to office.
It was also reported that scenarios for an extraordinary congress and a new administration are on the agenda within the party.