Statement of solidarity with democracy and Özgür Özel
16 May 2026
The Socialist International is extremely worried by the recent judicial decision regarding the leadership of CHP.
Türkiye’s appeal court decision to nullify the election of Özgür Özel as CHP leader, along with all decisions taken at the latest party congresses, is a clear and unlawful act.
It is part of a continuous constitutional strangulation and systematic persecution targeting political opponents, from Ekrem İmamoğlu to an unprecedented number of opposition mayors.
According to legal experts, under Türkiye’s Constitution only the Supreme Electoral Council - not civil courts holds - jurisdiction over internal party elections, and the Council has validated Özgür Özel’s election.
The attempt to replace Özgür Özel through such a procedure with the previous party administration is a blow to Türkiye’s democratic system and is truly unacceptable.
In the face of this blatant attack on our core principles, we express our full solidarity with Özgür Özel and the elected leadership of CHP.
