Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu confronts CHP upheaval over regional dismissals and Demirtaş release

A Turkish court’s “mutlak butlan” ruling reinstated Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu as CHP leader, triggering a wave of internal conflict. The party’s central council has removed several provincial chairmen, including those from Antalya and Kayseri, and placed others under disciplinary investigation. In Malatya, supporters of the ousted local leadership forced entry into the party headquarters, smashed doors and displayed a banner reading “Hain” with Kılıçdaroğlu’s picture, prompting police intervention.

Kılıçdaroğlu has repeatedly called for the immediate release of detained former HDP co‑chair Selahattin Demirtaş, calling the surrounding debate “artificial” and urging that “no one’s freedom should become a political tool.” He also said religious observances such as Ashura should not be used for political polemics, stating that “the most correct stance is not to be part of the politicisation of faith.”

Demirtaş, from Edirne prison, published a “Az Kaldı” article urging concrete steps toward reconciliation and criticizing the current political climate. The party’s internal tensions were highlighted at the funeral of former MP Orhan Sür, where Kılıçdaroğlu’s interaction with party rival Özgür Özel drew media attention.

Kılıçdaroğlu has faced criticism from media figures, notably Halk TV’s Cafer Mahiroğlu, and responded by questioning why he is “feared” by opponents. The series of dismissals, public protests, and high‑profile statements underline a deepening crisis within Turkey’s main opposition party.