Politics
Battle for election heats up in divided CHP of Türkiye
Özgür Özel insists on staying involved in the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) while Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu appears determined to continue his purge of Özel loyalists from Türkiye’s oldest party.
The ousted chair’s supporters managed to collect the signatures of 833 delegates for a petition on a new intra-party election. The petition was delivered on Wednesday to the office of Kılıçdaroğlu, who took back his seat as the main opposition leader last May after a court verdict reinstated him.
Some 170 more delegates also sent their signatures informally for the petition, though they are barred by a court from formally joining the petition due to a trial on vote-buying in the CHP. The same vote-buying case cost Özel his seat, while Kılıçdaroğlu vowed to cleanse the CHP of “corruption” both in reference to the alleged vote-buying and corruption cases plaguing CHP-run municipalities.
Kılıçdaroğlu, who helmed the CHP from 2010 to 2023, lost both the presidential race in which he was the candidate of a six-party alliance and an intra-party election that year. During his campaign for the presidency, he was touted as the last hope of the opposition to end the reign of the wildly successful Justice and Development Party (AK Party) and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Nowadays, he is branded as a traitor by supporters of the CHP for accepting the court ruling reinstating him to office.
Özel, who left his office in CHP headquarters after a dramatic confrontation between his supporters and police, was quick to call for a new intra-party election, firmly believing that the party members will restore his rule in the party. Under the party charter, the CHP is required to hold an extraordinary intra-party vote for leadership if more than half of the delegates vote for it. If the Kılıçdaroğlu administration rejects the appeal, the Özel camp is considering taking the matter to court, according to media outlets.
Rumors are circulating that Özel and his supporters may establish a new party, but Özel refuted the claims, though he signaled that he may consider it if other options fail. He told the pro-CHP news outlet Nefes on Wednesday that he was intent not to “hand over” the CHP to “others.” He underlined that they would try all legal means to trigger a new election in the party, adding that the option of establishing a new party or switching to an existing political party with his supporters were “worst-case scenarios.” Özel complained that the Kılıçdaroğlu administration was doing everything to curb the majority he and his supporters retained in the party.
“First, they illegally removed our nine colleagues from the central administrative committee, and in response, we left the party assembly. The CHP currently has no party assembly,” he highlighted.
On Wednesday, Kılıçdaroğlu was scheduled to chair the party’s central administrative committee to discuss potential expulsions and the likelihood of a new intra-party vote. Party sources speaking to media outlets say that his administration has focused on the removal of heads of the party’s provincial branches who expressed loyalty to the Özel camp and those involved in corruption cases.
According to party insiders cited by Turkish media, dozens of lawmakers who previously supported calls for an extraordinary congress remain reluctant to leave the CHP and join a newly established movement. Several reports suggest that a significant number of deputies and municipal mayors continue to favor remaining within the party despite the ongoing leadership dispute.
Supporters of a potential breakaway argue that a new political movement could distance itself from the CHP’s historical baggage and potentially appeal to conservative voters who have traditionally been reluctant to support the party.
However, political observers note that any newly established party would face significant organizational and financial challenges. Unlike the CHP, which receives substantial public funding due to its parliamentary representation, a new party would need to build a nationwide organization and campaign structure without immediate access to state financial support.
The 12-article draft Law on Strengthening National Solidarity and Social Integration will be on the agenda of the Justice Committee of the Turkish Parliament on Friday. The bill is a crucial step in the terror-free Türkiye initiative, which has advanced primarily through the terrorist group PKK’s declaration of dissolution and its initial steps toward disarmament. If passed, the law will defer the sentences of PKK members not involved in acts of terrorism and facilitate the return of the group’s supporters from abroad.
The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) secured the signatures of 360 lawmakers this week and unveiled the contents of the bill on Wednesday when it submitted it to the Office of the Parliament Speaker. The temporary law excludes terrorists involved in killings as well as senior members of the terrorist group, including its founder, Abdullah Öcalan. PKK members will be allowed to surrender and benefit from provisions reducing or deferring their sentences once Turkish authorities confirm that the terrorist group has fully laid down its arms.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Wednesday welcomed the submission of the draft law to Parliament, describing it as a product of broad political consensus aimed at eliminating the terrorist threat, reinforcing national unity, and fostering lasting peace in Türkiye and the wider region. In a statement, Erdoğan said the proposal was the result of comprehensive consultations and reflected the nation’s determination to resolve one of its longstanding security challenges.
“The Law on Strengthening National Solidarity and Social Integration, prepared following extensive consultations, has been submitted to our esteemed Parliament with broad consensus reflecting our nation’s determination to achieve a solution,” Erdoğan said on social media. The president said the legislation seeks to permanently free Türkiye from the threat of terrorism while reinforcing national solidarity and fostering a climate of peace both at home and across the region.
“I hope this important step, which aims to permanently rid Türkiye of the terrorist threat, strengthen our national unity and solidarity, and reinforce an atmosphere of peace in our country and region, will bring positive outcomes,” he said.
Erdoğan also thanked those who contributed to drafting the legislation and advancing the process, singling out Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Chair Devlet Bahçeli, the AK Party’s partner in the People’s Alliance, for his role. He also expressed appreciation to parliamentary groups and lawmakers who supported the legislative effort, voicing hope that the process would continue successfully in the coming period. The president met Bahçeli on Thursday afternoon, likely to discuss the bill.
The Ministry of National Defense, which oversaw the military’s decades-long campaign against the PKK, said on Thursday that the initiative would significantly contribute to peace, security and stability both in Türkiye and the wider region. In a statement, the ministry noted that Türkiye had achieved significant success in counterterrorism thanks to the efforts of the security forces and the support of the nation.
“The largest share in this belongs to our revered martyrs, our veterans and their families, who made the ultimate sacrifice for the homeland,” the ministry said. It also underlined that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) would remain committed to their duties and responsibilities throughout the process and would continue “taking measures to crown the success in counterterrorism with lasting peace and security.”
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said on Thursday that the draft law was “absolutely not providing a special status for anyone and does not cover other terrorist groups.” Gürlek said in a social media post that the law would not apply to those who ordered terrorist attacks or those who carried out attacks that “took the lives of members of our security forces.” He also underlined that implementation of the law would be contingent upon the complete dissolution of the PKK and that the terrorist group would be required to destroy all of its weapons and munitions “in an irreversible way.”
Özgür Özel, chair of the main opposition New Party (YP), who supported the initiative while serving as chair of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), reiterated his support for the process, although his party abstained from signing the draft bill. On Thursday, Özel met with the families of victims of terrorism in Ankara and renewed his support for ending terrorism. “We advocate that all guns fall silent and that all weapons in the hands of the terrorist group be removed,” he said, while pledging that his party would contribute to the Justice Committee’s work on the bill. Özel, however, claimed that the government was trying to portray the initiative as a solution to the concerns of the families of martyrs and counterterrorism veterans.
On Wednesday, a parliamentary committee approved a separate draft bill to improve the benefits of the families of martyrs and veterans by increasing their monthly compensation.
Ayşegül Doğan, spokesperson for the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), which has intricate links to the PKK, said at a news conference on Thursday that the draft bill marked the first step of a new era “in terms of a transition from armed conflict to legal and democratic politics.” The DEM Party acted as an intermediary between the imprisoned Öcalan and Parliament, also relaying his messages regarding the initiative to the public. The party views the PKK as an armed group fighting for what it considers a just cause, in contrast to the state’s designation of the group as a terrorist organization. Doğan said the process should advance “under the joint responsibility of society and all political parties.”
Türkiye’s National Security Council (MGK) on Thursday called for the international community to take a firm and uncompromising stance against Israel over continued cease-fire violations in Gaza, escalating settler violence in the occupied Palestinian territories and provocative attacks on holy sites, including Al-Aqsa Mosque.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the council said the international community must respond decisively to Israel’s continued cease-fire violations despite recent progress under the Gaza Peace Plan.
The council also condemned escalating settler violence in the occupied Palestinian territories and continued provocative attacks targeting holy sites, particularly Al-Aqsa Mosque, stressing that a clear and uncompromising international response is needed.
The meeting also reviewed progress toward Türkiye’s “Terror-Free Türkiye” and “Terror-Free Region” goals, with members discussing the next phase of efforts aimed at strengthening national security, regional stability and long-term prosperity.
The council received briefings on ongoing counterterrorism operations against the PKK/KCK-PYD/YPG, the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ) and Daesh terrorist groups, saying operations at home and abroad continue with determination.
Marking the 10th anniversary of the July 15, 2016, defeated coup attempt, the council assessed the latest stage of the fight against FETÖ and reaffirmed that efforts to dismantle the group’s remaining network would continue.
The MGK also highlighted Türkiye’s successful hosting of the NATO Summit, describing it as a critical milestone for the alliance while reaffirming Ankara’s commitment to sharing its advanced defense capabilities with allies.
On regional issues, the council warned that renewed clashes between Iran and the United States pose risks to neighboring countries and global trade routes, urging all sides to refrain from the use of force and return to negotiations aimed at securing lasting peace.
Regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, the council said expanding the conflict into neighboring regions, particularly the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, would not resolve the strategic deadlock and called on both sides to reduce tensions and take concrete steps toward peace.
The statement also underscored the importance of deepening multidimensional cooperation with Syria and Iraq, saying stronger regional coordination remains essential for security, stability and prosperity.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will travel to Saudi Arabia on Friday for a one-day working visit, where he is expected to hold talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran said Thursday.
During the visit, Erdoğan is also expected to meet with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
A source close to the Saudi government told AFP that the three will hold a summit on Friday in Jeddah.
No further details were immediately released on the agenda of the meetings.
On Monday, Erdoğan told the Saudi Crown Prince that Israel must fully comply with the roadmap for the second phase of the Gaza Peace Plan for it to succeed, as the two leaders discussed bilateral ties and regional developments in a phone call.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan was received by Jordan’s King Abdullah II on Wednesday during his visit to Amman, where he attended a ministerial meeting on Jerusalem focused on ongoing Israeli violations at Al-Aqsa Mosque and in Palestine.
Fidan met with the Jordanian monarch in the capital Amman, the Foreign Ministry said.
No further information on the meeting was as yet provided.
During the meeting, Fidan said nearly 20 Islamic countries discussed “collective measures” against Israel’s recent violations at Al-Aqsa Mosque, stressing that regional crises should not distract international attention from developments in the occupied Palestinian territories.
On the sidelines of the broader meeting, Fidan also attended the fifth ministerial gathering of what he called the “Group of Four” – Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Pakistan.
Fidan said the participants focused exclusively on recent Israeli actions targeting Al-Aqsa Mosque, as he reiterated Türkiye’s determined stance regarding Palestine. He noted that regional crises, including the Gulf conflict, have not diverted Ankara’s focus from Gaza, Jerusalem and the broader Palestinian cause.
Delivering bribes in chocolate boxes appears to be a common tactic at municipalities run by the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). An investigation into Ankara’s Etimesgut Municipality, whose mayor and top officials were recently arrested on corruption charges, revealed that the same method was allegedly used there.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that Etimesgut Deputy Mayor Mutlu Kerimoğlu received a chocolate box containing $1.2 million (TL 57.11 million) from a construction company in exchange for awarding the rights to a vacant municipally owned lot for development. A contractor questioned in a corruption probe centered on Istanbul’s Üsküdar Municipality had earlier confessed to delivering about $300,000 to a municipal employee inside a chocolate box in exchange for securing a building permit. Similarly, the deputy mayor of Antalya’s Manavgat Municipality was arrested last year after he was caught on camera allegedly receiving a baklava box filled with cash as a bribe.
The investigation into alleged corruption at Etimesgut municipality also exposed additional methods allegedly used by suspects to cover up their activities and intimidate people seeking to do business with the municipality into paying bribes upfront.
Hüdaver Alkaya, a contractor who cooperated with investigators, admitted to bribing Ozan Yiğit, a member of the Etimesgut Municipal Assembly, to secure a permit for a housing development. Alkaya told investigators that he visited Yiğit at his office in the municipality, where they met in a separate private room accessible only through a concealed entrance. There, he said, he handed Yiğit TL 1 million in bribe money. About a week later, he received the permit he had long sought.
The allegations in the Etimesgut corruption case also describe how a contractor allegedly agreed to pay TL 250 million in exchange for building permits after meeting with senior municipal officials. An audio recording included in the investigation allegedly captured a contractor being urged to “donate” money to the municipality in exchange for permits, while another contractor was allegedly told to “donate” computers and televisions to the municipality in return for obtaining permits.
Tuncay Karadeniz, a businessperson seeking to lease a municipally owned parking lot, told investigators that he contacted Ozan Yiğit and paid him $8,000. He claimed that Mayor Erdal Beşikçioğlu then entered the room where he was meeting with Yiğit, asked how much he had paid, and instructed him to pay TL 1.5 million for the lease.
Uğur Şanalan, an event organizer, told investigators that municipal officials demanded exorbitant fees for the use of a public venue for a concert. When he was unable to pay, he said, the municipality dispatched excavators and trucks to the venue to block the event, ultimately forcing him to cancel the concert.
Officials from Türkiye’s Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and Syria’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday to advance educational cooperation between the two countries. The memorandum paves the way for the establishment of the Syria-Türkiye University in Damascus, as well as a separate cooperation agreement covering higher education and scientific research.
According to a statement from YÖK, delegations led by YÖK President Erol Özvar and Syrian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Marwan al-Halabi met before the signing ceremony.
Speaking at the meeting, Özvar said Türkiye and Syria are two friendly and brotherly countries bound by a shared history, culture and civilization, adding that he was pleased to see the renewed momentum in bilateral relations reflected in stronger cooperation in higher education.
He emphasized that strong and sustainable partnerships between universities would make significant contributions not only to academia but also to the future of both countries, regional stability and the strengthening of fraternal ties between their peoples. Özvar said he believed the meeting would place cooperation in higher education on a more institutional and lasting footing.
Noting that Türkiye would continue providing every possible form of support to strengthen Syria’s educational infrastructure, Özvar said Turkish universities were ready to cooperate with Syrian universities in every field.
He added that the two sides could work together to establish joint undergraduate and graduate programs and said YÖK was also prepared to provide support in technical infrastructure, digitalization and knowledge sharing.
For his part, al-Halabi thanked Türkiye for its support in strengthening Syria’s educational infrastructure and for the growing cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting also addressed the establishment of joint working groups between YÖK and Syria’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in specific fields.
The memorandum of understanding signed by the two sides underscores their shared determination to strengthen cooperation in higher education, scientific research, innovation and academic exchange, building on the historical, cultural and fraternal ties between Türkiye and Syria.
Under the memorandum, the two parties will continue work on the legal framework, governance structure, academic organization, student admission procedures, quality assurance mechanisms and administrative regulations for the planned Syria-Türkiye University in Damascus.
Draft legal and institutional documents for the establishment of the university will be prepared and submitted to the relevant authorities.
The university’s establishment will depend on subsequent agreements between the parties and the completion of the necessary legal procedures in both countries.
The separate cooperation agreement on higher education and scientific research aims to strengthen coordination among the universities, educational institutions and research organizations of the two countries while expanding cooperation in higher education, scientific research and technology.
The agreement provides for the allocation of reciprocal scholarships and student quotas, the mutual recognition of academic degrees and diplomas, the facilitation of transfer opportunities for Syrian students, the development of advanced technology-oriented educational programs, support for the digital infrastructure of Syrian universities, the promotion of academic and student exchanges, the implementation of joint scientific research projects, the launch of joint bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, and cooperation in quality assurance and accreditation.
The agreement also envisions organizing an annual Türkiye-Syria Universities Forum, to be hosted alternately by the two countries, considering the establishment of a “Sister (Twin) University Program” between Turkish and Syrian universities, and continuing joint efforts toward establishing the planned Syria-Türkiye University in Damascus.
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