25.05.2026 15:00
As the crisis grows in the CHP following the 'absolute nullity' decision, remarkable developments are stirring the corridors in Ankara. It has been claimed that Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu will take office as of June 1 and will first dismiss Özgür Özel from the Group Chairmanship in the Turkish Grand National Assembly. Additionally, it is stated in the corridors that Özel told his deputies, 'We have no money, no bus, no podium. From now on, we will conduct politics in the streets.'
The crisis in the CHP, which began after the Ankara Regional Court of Justice's 'absolute nullity' decision, continues to escalate. Following Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's return to the leadership position, the power struggle within the party has intensified with new allegations, and journalist Barış Yarkadaş's statements on TV100's live broadcast have made headlines.
“KILIÇDAROĞLU WILL START DUTY AS OF JUNE 1” Yarkadaş claimed that Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu would begin party activities shortly, stating: “As of June 1, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu will start his duty. His first task will be to remove Özgür Özel from the Group Chairmanship in the Turkish Grand National Assembly. Because such nonsense cannot happen.”
Arguing that Özgür Özel cannot continue as group chairman in the parliament, Yarkadaş said, “You cannot make programs on your own like a co-chair or second chair while the party has a leader. You cannot use the leader's office. You cannot give instructions to provincial and district organizations on your own.”
“FROM NOW ON, WE WILL DO POLITICS ON THE STREETS” Another striking allegation was raised during the live broadcast. It was claimed that after leaving the CHP headquarters, Özgür Özel gathered with the deputies who support him in the parliament.
According to the allegation shared on the program, Özel told the deputies: “We have no money, no buses, no podium. From now on, we will do politics on the streets.”
In the continuation of the statements, the following assessment was made: “Now what does this mean? He says he essentially has no party and no resources. From now on, Özgür Özel, as the CHP deputy for Manisa, will of course go out on the streets, work for his party, for the success of his leader, for Kemal Bey’s success, and ask for votes for his party. These are perfectly natural.”
NAME SIGN CHANGED IN THE PARLIAMENT After the court's 'absolute nullity' decision, following the CHP's submission of a letter to the Parliament Presidency stating that Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu is the leader, the name sign on Özgür Özel's office door in the parliament was also changed. The sign reading “Republican People's Party Group Chairman” was hung at the entrance of the office.
Özel, in his statement, said, “We will increase social pressure. We will collect signatures and call the Party Assembly to an extraordinary meeting,” and used the phrase “Our main job is on the street.”
Lawyer Onur Üregen. EXPULSION AND DISCIPLINARY ALLEGATIONS ON THE AGENDA The crisis in the CHP was not limited to leadership debates. It was announced that Onur Üregen, the lawyer for the delegates in the convention case, visited Kılıçdaroğlu to provide information about the process, while his remarks about potential expulsion proceedings against some deputies drew attention.
Mahir Polat, the CHP Izmir deputy known for his closeness to Kılıçdaroğlu, further fueled the controversy by stating, “There are those who will be referred to discipline. Those who call Kemal Bey a traitor will have their ties with the party severed.”
CHP Izmir Deputy Mahir Polat 4 DEPUTIES ALLEGATION Meanwhile, it was also alleged that Kılıçdaroğlu put forward a striking condition in his meeting with Özgür Özel for the convention to be held. It was claimed that Kılıçdaroğlu demanded the removal or resignation of CHP Deputy Group Chairman Ali Mahir Başarır, known for his closeness to Özel, CHP Deputy Chairman Burhanettin Bulut, CHP Malatya Deputy Veli Ağbaba, and CHP Ankara Deputy Umut Akdoğan from the party. According to a report in Nefes newspaper, it was alleged that Özgür Özel responded ‘no’ to this demand.