Turkey's CHP court delays fuel split talks, new party plans

Turkey’s Republican People’s Party (CHP) is embroiled in a legal and organisational crisis. A court in Istanbul has postponed the hearing on the party’s 38th ordinary provincial congress, which removed the elected provincial leadership, to 16 October, while the judiciary continues to consider a “mutual nullity” (mutlak butlan) case that could overturn recent appointments. The Yargıtay’s decision is expected around the critical dates of 20 July (the start of a judicial holiday) and 21 July, after which senior figures such as MP Süleyman Bülbül say a new formation involving about 100 MPs could be launched if the ruling is unfavorable.

Simultaneously, elected CHP General President Özgür Özel has warned that, should the party be unable to regain control, a new party will be created, positioning itself as the main opposition. Recent MetroPoll surveys show Özel’s prospective party could capture 33‑35 % of the vote, ahead of the AKP’s 27 %, while internal reforms have led to the removal of seven provincial leaders and the appointment of new heads in 14 other provinces. The dispute is framed by party MPs as a fight against a “dictatorial” move and a defense of democratic processes within the party.