Turkish Court to Decide Fate of CHP Leadership in High-Stakes Showdown

Turkey's Main Opposition Party CHP Faces Showdown Over Leadership On September 15, a Turkish court is set to deliver a verdict that could plunge the country's main opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), into chaos. The trial centers on the legitimacy of the party's leadership, with judges considering declaring the 38th party congress null and void due to alleged irregularities. Timeline: March 2025: Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu is imprisoned, sparking widespread protests. September 15, 2025 (tomorrow): The trial against the CHP comes to an end, with a verdict expected on the legitimacy of the party's leadership. Immediate Impact and Response: If the court declares the congress null and void, the reform-minded leadership of Ozgur Ozel and Ekrem Imamoglu would lose its legitimacy. This could lead to a power struggle within the party, potentially destabilizing Turkey's opposition politics. Background Context: The CHP has been at the forefront of Turkey's opposition movement since Imamoglu's imprisonment. The party's leadership has been criticized for its handling of internal affairs, with some members calling for Kemal Kilicdaroglu to step down as leader. What Happens Next: The verdict is expected to have significant implications for Turkey's politics and society. If the court declares the congress null and void, the CHP would need to hold new elections to choose a new leadership. This could lead to a period of uncertainty and potentially destabilize the opposition movement. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Dw reporting.*