According to the decision of the 36th Civil Chamber of the Ankara Regional Court of Justice, the 38th Ordinary Congress of the CHP on 4-5 November 2023 and the Istanbul Provincial Congress on 8 October 2023 were canceled due to “absolute nullity”. In the decision, it was evaluated that the will of the delegates was damaged by relations of interest, confidentiality was violated in the voting processes and this was contrary to public order. For this reason, it was ruled that the congress and congress would be deemed invalid from the date they were held. The court also ruled that all congresses held and decisions taken after this date were invalid. Returning to the period before the congress, it was stated that Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and the previous party organs should continue their duties. In terms of the Istanbul Provincial Congress, it was stated that the previous administration should continue its duty. In addition, it was noted that in some files, new administrations were suspended from office with a precautionary injunction and the old administrations were reinstated as a precautionary measure. In the decision, it was emphasized that the will of the delegates was guided by various interest relations, democratic principles were violated in the election processes and there was a violation of public order.

In the court’s reasoned decision; It was stated that criminal investigations, indictments, witness statements, MASAK reports, institutional correspondence and summaries of proceedings were evaluated together. Accordingly, it was concluded that some delegates were given money, were promised job placements in municipalities, were promised candidacy and political positions, and were provided with various benefits such as shopping cards. It was also stated in the decision that some delegates were asked to take photographs of their ballot papers and send them. The court stated that this situation damaged the principle of secret ballot and the will of free elections. In the decision, it was noted that it is a constitutional obligation to conduct intra-party elections in accordance with democratic principles, and that the irregularities that emerged were not only a reason for cancellation, but also a state of “absolute invalidity” concerning public order.

PRECAUTIONARY DECISION TO THE SPECIAL MANAGEMENT
In the decision, it was stated that the plaintiffs’ requests for precautionary measures in the cases filed and consolidated in various civil courts of first instance in Ankara were accepted, and it was noted that Özgür Özel, who took office with the congress of 4-5 November 2023, Central Executive Board members, Party Assembly members and members of the High Disciplinary Board were decided to be suspended from duty as a precautionary measure. The court also ruled that Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and the members of the Party Assembly and the High Disciplinary Board, who served before the congress, should assume their duties as a precautionary measure and reinstate them until the decision is finalized.

KILIÇDAROĞLU: WE WILL CARRY OUT THE PROCESS TOGETHER
Following the absolute nullity decision about CHP, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who is preparing to return to his post as chairman, made his first statement. In his statement shared on social media, Kılıçdaroğlu used the following statements: “CHP is not a battleground for personal pursuits of success. The court’s decision should not be a reason for separation, but an opportunity to unite under our centuries-old plane tree. Today is the day to put aside resentments and stand up with seriousness, calm and embracing. We have to manage this process seriously and with common sense, not with ‘wishful wishes’. The process; with our previous chairmen, the party council “We will carry it out in cooperation with our members, MPs, provincial and district presidents.” Meanwhile, Özgür Özel stated that they appealed to the Supreme Court for the cancellation of the injunction decision and said that they will appeal to the YSK today. Kerim CENGİL

GÜRLEK: CHP MEMBER’S APPLICATION STARTED THE JUDICIAL PROCESS
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek stated that the judicial process started with the applications of the CHP delegates themselves and said, “The court has determined that the allegations that some delegates were provided with benefits or promises were made harmed the freedom and equality of the election process.” Emphasizing that the protection of democratic will is directly at the center of the decision, Gürlek noted that it is unacceptable to cripple the will of the delegate and the member. Gürlek said: “As a result of the evaluations, it was concluded that the will of the delegates was disabled during the congress held on November 4-5, 2023, in a way that affected the outcome of the congress.” ANKARA

ALL ORDINARY AND EXTRAORDINARY CONFERENCES HAVE BEEN CANCELED
While the COURT decided to annul the congress due to absolute nullity, it also ruled that all ordinary and extraordinary congresses held after this date and the decisions taken in these congresses were invalid. In the decision, it was decided to “return to the situation before the congress dated 4-5 November 2023” and stated that Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and the party organs should continue their duties as they were. In addition, it was decided to cancel the CHP Istanbul Provincial Congress held on October 8, 2023 and all decisions taken at this congress.

UGLY ATTACK ON A HABER
People in the crowd gathered in front of CHP Headquarters attacked the A News team. A Haber reporter İlter Yeşiltaş, who was the target of physical intervention, was rescued with difficulty. TGRT News team was also attacked in a similar way.

Celal Çelik, the lawyer of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who was reinstated as CHP Chairman by the court, made a statement to the press in front of Kılıçdaroğlu’s house after the 36th Civil Chamber of the Ankara Regional Court of Justice decided to preemptively suspend Özgür Özel and the party management from duty and Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and his management to take over the duty in the “absolute nullity” case regarding the allegation of irregularities in the 38th Ordinary Congress of the CHP. found.

“KILIÇDAROĞLU WILL CALL ÖZGÜR ÖZEL”

Lawyer Çelik said:

“Our esteemed Chairman will soon call Mr. Özgür Özel, regarding the evaluations he has made within the scope of preventing chaos in the CHP, and will state that he will start the necessary work to help the CHP overcome this problem by negotiating together, hand in hand.

Therefore, I wanted to inform you that this information, that is, Özgür Özel, will be called by our esteemed Chairman soon. “We will continue to present to you the evaluations that our President wishes to present from time to time.”

“THERE IS A WATER SHORTAGE IN THE WORLD”

Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak noted that they should especially protect water.

Emphasizing that life begins with water, Minister Bak said:

“We need to protect water. We need to protect the environment. Because we need food. As I said, we need to protect our seas. There is food there too. We are talking about a continent full of plastic. We need to prevent these. Who will do this? Young people will do it. Children will be the managers of the future. You will be in our place. Therefore, this is very important. We will choose young people who produce, volunteer and bring solutions. We will walk with them. There will be a Zero Waste Forum on June 5-7. We will also take part there. For example, water “How will we protect it? We will not leave the taps running. Water will not flow while we brush our teeth. There is a water shortage in the world. If you use water correctly, you will reduce your household bill and contribute to your family’s economy by preventing it from being left on unnecessarily.”

Minister Bak stated that university students are very important to them and said, “With projects in our dormitories, we increase environmental awareness, strengthen the economy and make very effective programs on zero waste. We buy the leftover food in the dormitory. Then, we prepare and package these meals with our students. Then, we distribute these meals to our citizens in need. We adopt a new efficiency approach that reduces food waste and strengthens solidarity and environmental awareness. University students work hard within that system and do this with excitement. Zero Waste “We are trying to bring the country to a more livable place by using this energy with the Foundation.” he said.

Pointing out that food waste is an important issue, Osman Aşkın Bak said, “If we reduce bread and food waste, millions of people will not go hungry. We should not waste. There is also the climate issue. This is a very important discussion. We are working on these with our friends at the university. Our young people are doing really good things. We do these things in our youth camps. We have thematic camps that we do together with the students at the university. We open our dormitories and hold workshops with the students.” he said.

“WE SUCCESSFULLY HELP MANY SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS”

Emphasizing that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attaches great importance to young people, Minister Bak said, “‘Turkey’s Century’ is the century of youth. ‘Turkey’s Century’ is also the century of sports. We successfully organize many sports events. We teach swimming to millions of our young people and people. This means energy. We will use our energy effectively within the framework of ‘Zero Waste’ projects. We trust our energy, we trust our youth. It is great to be together with the Zero Waste Foundation.” “We will continue to work together. We will serve this beautiful country and this beautiful world with our excitement and enthusiasm.” he said.

Minister Bak underlined that they will use the energy of young people for Turkey and said, “We thank First Lady Erdoğan for taking this initiative. We also thank our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. We follow him everywhere. We will continue to work together for a beautiful country.” made the statement.

The statements made by MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli in the live broadcast he attended are as follows:

“May 21, 2026 (today); Ankara Regional Court of Justice 36th Civil Chamber gave an absolute nullity decision regarding CHP’s 38th Ordinary Congress held on 4-5 November 2023. This decision means that the said congress is considered legally invalid from the beginning. The court also ruled that the ordinary and extraordinary congresses held after this congress and the decisions taken during this process are invalid. Within the scope of the decision, Özgür Özel, the Central Executive Board, the Party It was decided that the members of the Parliament and the High Disciplinary Board should be suspended from duty as a precautionary measure. The court ruled that the administration before the congress, that is, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and the party organs at that time, would take over the duty as a precautionary measure until the decision was finalized. The most important result of the decision was that it created a serious uncertainty about the legal and actual management authority in the CHP and appealed to the Supreme Court within two weeks. As a matter of fact, it has been announced that the necessary objection has been made.

“KEMAL KILIÇDAROĞLU AND HIS TEAM HAVE BEEN RETURNED TO DUTY UNTIL THE DECISION IS FINAL”

As the public knows, the 38th Ordinary Congress of the Republican People’s Party took place on 4-5 November 2023, and Mr. Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and Mr. Özgür Özel entered a democratic race for the chairmanship of the Republican People’s Party. The congress, in which Mr. Özgür Özel was elected as the Chairman, was taken to court by some CHP delegates, alleging irregularities and demanding annulment. On May 21, 2026, the Ankara Regional Court of Justice ruled that the congress in question should be declared null and void, on the grounds that the allegations of irregularities regarding the congress were proven; Özgür Özel and his management were suspended from their duties as a precautionary measure until the decision was finalized, and former chairman Mr. Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and his team were reinstated until the decision was finalized.

When asked by journalists about our opinion on the CHP’s absolute nullity case after our Grand National Assembly Group Meeting on May 5, 2026, they said: “CHP is the most important political institution that has existed since the founding of the Republic. We hope that this institution will not be confused, disintegrated, legally damaged or used for different purposes.” I said. At this point, we have been proven right. In our opinion, the healthiest way would be to evaluate the issue calmly, in accordance with the law, with a sense of responsibility, and to act with the will to carry the historical and corporate identity of the CHP into the future.

As it is known, at the CHP grand congress on November 5, 2024, Mr. Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and Mr. Özgür Özel entered a democratic race for the chairmanship of the Republican People’s Party. Under the conditions of that day, it was declared by the election board that the will of the CHP delegates at the congress was in favor of Mr. Özgür Özel, and Mr. Özel was elected as the chairman of the CHP.

“THE COMMENTS SUCH AS WE DO NOT RECOGNIZE THE JUDICIAL DECISION ARE IN VAIN”

After the congress, a lawsuit was filed to cancel the congress due to irregularities with the delegates. The lawsuit filed demanding the congress to be ignored was concluded on May 21, and the grand congress in question was canceled on the grounds that the alleged irregularities were proven. By the court decision, it was accepted that Mr. Kılıçdaroğlu was wronged, as claimed, and it was registered by the court decision. At this point, statements like we do not recognize the judicial decision are futile and unnecessary.

Instead of resisting, protecting the corporate identity of CHP, the centuries-old plane tree of Turkish political life, should be essential for everyone. For this, first of all, the parties must act with common sense, with the will to meet on the common denominator of the CHP, not to split, not to crumble and not to be scattered. In a situation where we are surrounded by a ring of fire and at the same time the will of a terror-free Türkiye is embodied, it is essential not to give an opportunity to attempts to direct social mobility through the CHP.

CHP should not be made available for use for different purposes and should not be left in that state.

In this context, common sense should become dominant in CHP. Mr. Kılıçdaroğlu accepts the injustice done to him, but he must assume a historical responsibility not to hurt, injure or cause chaos in this long-established institution, for which he served as chairman for 13 years. He should state that he has renounced his position in order to meet with Mr. Özgür Özel, within the framework permitted by law, and to create a common formula for the future of the CHP. This result will benefit both CHP and our country. At the same time, with this historical responsibility, Mr. Kılıçdaroğlu will gain an exceptional place both in the CHP corporate identity and in the hearts of our citizens who have devoted themselves to the CHP.

In Turkish politics, institutionalization is the most important part of social stability, political reconciliation and national solidarity. In this atmosphere where we are surrounded by a ring of fire, power struggles, factional conflicts, disintegrations and disintegrations that will cause political chaos will disrupt both politics and the strengthening of democracy. Engaging in these methods through CHP may cause irreparable wounds. The traumas caused by such events in the past are hidden in Turkish political memory. In this context, this decision taken by Mr. Kılıçdaroğlu will be better in terms of stability and unity of the CHP.

“THE ONLY WAY AT THIS STAGE IS TO COMPROMISE; THE BASIC ELEMENT OF CONCONCILIATION IS TO AVOID PROCITATIONS”

The statements made by Mr. Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and Mr. Özgür Özel after the decision are within the framework of unity. However, transforming this into the common will of the CHP will make these efforts constructive. Our wish is that, instead of creating crowds and challenging each other, both leaders come together and find a common path based on the interests of the CHP by making the necessary sacrifices within the framework of the laws, party charter and court decision. They must do this without delay or causing any social or intra-party chaos. It should not be forgotten that an attitude that could evolve into betrayal towards the CHP’s institutional identity, heritage and base will be a heavy burden for the people who served the CHP. At this stage, the only way is to compromise; The basic element of reconciliation is to avoid provocations and act with a sense of renunciation and responsibility.

Türkiye is a democratic state of law. It has a strong political culture. According to our Constitution, the judiciary is impartial and independent. Türkiye belongs to all of us. “With this understanding, within the framework of rules and institutions, acting with common sense, unity and solidarity and reaching a compromise on the future of the CHP will be the best way.”

The appointments made with the signature of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan came into force after being published in the Official Gazette. According to the decision, Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Deputy Director General of Environmental Management Haluk Şahin Yazgı, Member of the High Scientific Board Atilla Ünal, Malatya Provincial Director of Environment and Urbanization Ali Laloğlu, Eskişehir Provincial Director of Environment and Urbanization Hikmet Çelik, Kayseri Provincial Director of Environment and Urbanization Sibel Livdumlu, Yalova Provincial Director of Environment and Urbanization Murat Alacatlı, Balıkesir Provincial Director of Environment and Urbanization Kadir Kandemir were dismissed. Semih İlker Sanaç was appointed as Deputy General Manager of Environmental Management.

In addition, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy General Directors of Energy Affairs, Murat Hardalaç and Erdoğan Sert, and the Head of the Information Technology Department, Hakkı Tok, were dismissed. Kürşat Bozkurt was appointed to the Bilecik Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, which was vacant in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

There are vacancies in the Small and Medium Enterprises Development and Support Administration; Selim Serkan Ercan and İmran Gezinti were appointed as Vice Presidents, and Mustafa Genç was appointed as the First Legal Advisor. In addition, there are vacancies in the General Directorate of Tea Enterprises; Ali Kağanoğlu was appointed as Mersin Marketing Regional Director and Fatma Musluoğlu was appointed as Diyarbakır Marketing Regional Director. Murat Baştor, General Director of Transportation Services Regulation of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, was dismissed and Çağlar Tabak was appointed in his place.

As part of the investigation carried out by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, the procedures of the police for 3 more suspects who were detained on charges of “taking bribes” and “laundering assets” have been completed.

After health checks, the suspects were taken to Istanbul Courthouse in Çağlayan.

Suspects Cevdet Çalı, Bülent Karakaş and İlker Uluer, whose statements were taken at the prosecutor’s office, were referred to the judgeship on duty with a request for arrest.

The criminal judgeship of peace decided to arrest the suspects.

STATEMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE

In the statement made by the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, it was stated that an investigation was being carried out against Beşiktaş Municipality by the Financial Crimes Branch Directorate of the Istanbul Provincial Police Department under the coordination of the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.

In the statement, it was stated that within the scope of the investigation, 5 suspects, including the former Beşiktaş Deputy Mayor and Beşiktaş Municipality Council Member, were detained on charges of “taking bribes” and “laundering assets”.

It was stated that during the searches carried out in the residences and office rooms of the suspects, a large number of digital materials and 90 thousand dollars and 5 thousand euros, which were considered to have been obtained from crime, were seized.

In the statement, the names of the suspects were listed as follows:

“Former Beşiktaş Deputy Mayor Cevdet Çalı, Beşiktaş Municipality Personnel Services Manager Bülent Karakaş, Sarbel Organization Office Worker Özlem Demir Karakaş, Former Beşiktaş Municipality CHP Council Member Oylum Işık, Beşiktaş Municipality CHP Council Member İlker Uluer.”

The suspects Nazire Oylum Işık and Özlem Demir Karakaş, who were referred to the courthouse within the scope of the investigation, were arrested.