27.05.2026 08:50
Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, reinstated as the Chairman of the CHP by a court decision, was not favorable to Özgür Özel's call for an "immediate congress." Sources close to Kılıçdaroğlu cited the appeal filed by the Özel administration with the Court of Cassation against the absolute nullity decision, stating that "a congress cannot be held until the decision is finalized." Legal experts, however, noted that the Court of Cassation process could take up to two years.
With the "absolute nullity" decision dated May 21 by the 36th Civil Chamber of the Ankara Regional Court of Appeal, the authorities of CHP Chairman Özgür Özel and the party leadership were terminated, and Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu was reinstated as the head of the CHP.
While the decision sparked major debate among the CHP base, the response of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who accepted the position, to Özgür Özel's call for "a congress within 45 days" drew attention. Kılıçdaroğlu stated that the congress would be held "at the most appropriate time," without giving a specific date.
While names close to Özel claim that Kılıçdaroğlu's phrase "most appropriate time" points to an indefinite process and that he plans to lead the party into elections under his own management, statements from Kılıçdaroğlu's camp have strengthened these claims.
FORMULA TO DELAY THE CONGRESS ON THE TABLE
According to a report by Ayşe Sayın from BBC Turkish, aides close to Kılıçdaroğlu argue that "a congress cannot be held until the appeal process at the Court of Cassation is concluded," citing the appeal filed by Özgür Özel's administration against the "absolute nullity" decision.
According to legal circles, the Court of Cassation's review period for similar cases can take up to two years. Names close to Özel, on the other hand, claim that the government aims to extend President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's term through potential elections in this process.
As reactions to the developments rise within the CHP base, some party members argue that Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu is prolonging the process, "giving the AKP one more election."
EMPHASIS ON "EXTRAORDINARY SITUATION" AUTHORITY
A CHP Party Assembly member close to Kılıçdaroğlu stated that there is an extraordinary situation within the party, noting that under current conditions, the party chairman holds broad powers.
The same person argued that even if an extraordinary congress is called by a Party Assembly decision or by delegate signatures, the chairman has the authority not to implement it.
In the said assessment, expressions used included: "Even if the Party Assembly falls below 40 members, or even to a single person, the chairman can manage the party. Because there is an extraordinary situation. The Chairman continues his duty until the Court of Cassation's decision is finalized. This authority is based on the court's absolute nullity decision."
ÖZEL'S GROUP CHAIRMANSHIP ALSO UNDER DEBATE
According to sources close to Kılıçdaroğlu, the former chairman is considering invalidating Özgür Özel's group chairmanship position as well, based on the authority provided by the absolute nullity decision.
It is also stated that requests for a congress, which could be brought to the agenda with the signatures of an absolute majority of delegates, could be rejected on the same grounds.