CHP Kilis provincial chair and mayor resign over detention and party crisis

Umut Mehmet Sapan, the provincial chairman of Turkey's Republican People's Party (CHP) in Kilis, announced his resignation after being detained in an Istanbul‑centered investigation, released after eleven days, and citing family, health issues and a lack of support from the party headquarters.

Kilıs mayor Hakan Bilecen also quit the CHP, stating he will continue his mayoral duties as an independent. Bilecen’s resignation follows Sapan’s and comes amid a broader internal crisis within the CHP after a court’s “absolute nullity” decision. He highlighted his 2024 electoral victory, where he secured 41.97% of the vote.

Both resignations reflect heightened tension within the local CHP organization in Kilis and raise questions about the party’s handling of legal and internal challenges.