Internal crisis escalates within Turkey's Republican People's Party

Turkey's main opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), is facing a deepening leadership crisis between incumbent leader Ozgur Ozel and former leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Kilicdaroglu, who claims authority via a court decision, has moved to suspend nine members of the central committee, accusing them of corruption and internal mismanagement. In retaliation, 28 members of the 57-member central committee resigned, effectively dissolving the body and triggering a mandatory party congress within 45 days. Ozel, who was elected through internal party polls, argues that these judicial and internal actions are part of a coordinated effort to weaken the party and undermine its electoral success. Ozel recently addressed the parliamentary group, framing these actions as external political interference meant to bolster the ruling government, while Kilicdaroglu maintains he is purging the party of corruption. Supporters of Ozel contend that the disciplinary measures are legally illegitimate as they bypass the party assembly. The conflict underscores a major divide over the legitimate leadership and future direction of the CHP.