CHP faces internal crisis as mayors are arrested and leaders clash over 'mutual veto

Turkey's Republican People's Party (CHP) is engulfed in a turmoil marked by the detention of several of its officials. Silivri mayor Bora Balcıoğlu, arrested on 12 June, asserted his resolve, saying “Alnım açık, başım dik,” while urging citizens to stand together. Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, detained since March, warned that if the party’s congress (kurultay) is blocked, “we are ready politically, spiritually and physically.”

CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has shown solidarity, contacting Balcıoğlu’s family and confirming that a party delegation is monitoring the case. He also discussed the “mutlak butlan” (absolute veto) decision that has halted the party congress, labeling it a breach of internal democracy.

Other senior figures, such as İzmir Mayor Dr Cemil Tugay, dismissed rumors of resignation or removal, insisting that “CHP is our roof” and that the party must stay united despite the controversy.

Amid the feud, the CHP announced it will set up a commission to examine corruption allegations against İmamoğlu. If substantiated, the commission could recommend expulsion, adding another layer to the party’s internal confrontations.