In a display of defiance against what it termed a "judicial coup," Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) re-elected Özgür Özel as its chairman during an extraordinary congress on Sunday, September 21, held under the rallying cry "No to Coup, No to Trustee."
The congress, convened at Ankara's Nazım Hikmet Congress and Culture Center, saw 917 delegates cast votes, with 835 valid votes reaffirming Özel's leadership. Notably, 82 ballots were invalidated. The event unfolded amid heightened political tensions, marked by the absence of former CHP chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and ex-party figure Gürsel Tekin, who tried to continue his role as Istanbul provincial head via a government-appointed trustee.
A Show of Unity Amidst Accusations
Delegates approved a "no-confidence vote" against the current administration to facilitate elections for the Party Assembly and High Disciplinary Board. A proposal to conduct these elections via a "block list" system passed with majority support, streamlining the selection of party officials.
Özel, the sole candidate for chairman, used his platform to launch scathing criticism at President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the ruling AKP. He characterized the events of March 19—when legal challenges threatened to nullify the party's previous congress—as a "coup authorized by Trump," alleging Erdoğan's administration aimed to sabotage the CHP's democratic processes. "This coup was made by today's government against the next government, with permission from the Trump administration," Özel declared. "Erdoğan is Trump's man, Trump's team."
His remarks, which drew standing ovations, framed the AKP's actions as a broader assault on democracy. "Erdoğan doesn't trust himself, doesn't trust his party," Özel asserted, referencing the government's alleged use of "judicial branches" to target opposition figures.
Economic Grievances and a Call for Solidarity
Özel intertwined political accusations with economic grievances, contrasting Turkey's financial conditions under AKP rule with the pre-AKP era. He cited the devaluation of the lira, noting that the minimum wage once bought eight quarter-gold coins but now buys only 2, while pensions have similarly plummeted. "This isn't the people's order; it's the AKP's dark order," he said, vowing to expose corruption and inequality.
The congress featured a symbolic "Silivri Prison" display, showcasing photographs of imprisoned CHP mayors—a stark reminder of ongoing legal battles. Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a presidential contender, addressed delegates via message, condemning the government's "traps" and affirming the party's commitment to justice. "Unemployment, corruption, and poverty are oppressing the people, but justice and freedom will prevail," İmamoğlu stated.
Path to the Ordinary Congress
Özel concluded by urging unity ahead of the party's ordinary congress, slated for late 2025. "We will go to our ordinary congress quickly and, in unity, bring this party to power," he said. Recent polls showing CHP leading by 5-7 points, Özel claimed, reflected public trust in the opposition's resilience.
The congress, which opened with a moment of silence for deceased party figures like Altan Öymen, culminated in Özel's re-election and a pledge to resist what the CHP frames as authoritarian overreach. "Coups never benefit the coup plotters," Özel warned. "In the end, they lose."
*Reported from Ankara; additional sources: T24, ANKA, live blog updates.
Photo: T24