Turkish court ousts opposition leader in boost to Erdogan
dw.com • • world
Key Points:
- An Ankara appeals court annulled the 2023 congress that elected Ozgur Ozel as leader of the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), citing irregularities including promises of jobs and perks to secure votes.
- Ozel, who replaced Kemal Kilicdaroglu and has led the CHP to poll closely with Erdogan's ruling AKP, was suspended along with the party's executive board, with Kilicdaroglu provisionally reinstated.
- Ozel vowed to continue the struggle against the ruling party despite the court ruling, calling on supporters to endure suffering but never surrender.
- The ruling has caused turmoil within the CHP, prompting an emergency leadership meeting and protests by party activists, while Turkey's main stock index, BIST 100, dropped over 6%, triggering a circuit breaker.
- The next presidential election is scheduled for 2028, when Erdogan will seek to extend his two-decade rule.