Breaking: Hasan Babacan Resigns from CHP İstanbul Trusteeship

A major twist emerged in the ongoing debate over the CHP İstanbul Provincial Organization. Hasan Babacan, one of the five members appointed by the Istanbul 45th Civil Court of First Instance to oversee the party’s provincial leadership, has officially stepped down.

Babacan explained his resignation by saying, “I will not be part of an operation disguised as saving the party but in reality aiming to take it over.”

Background: Court’s Controversial Decision

Following a temporary injunction issued by the Istanbul 45th Civil Court, Provincial Chairman Özgür Çelik and his executive board were suspended. In their place, a five-member trusteeship panel was appointed, consisting of Gürsel Tekin, Zeki Şen, Hasan Babacan, Müjdat Gürbüz, and Erkan Narsap.

This decision immediately sparked debate within CHP ranks and was widely criticized as a “judicial intervention” in party affairs.

Babacan’s Break with the Panel

Babacan’s withdrawal is particularly significant as it followed his private meeting with ousted chairman Özgür Çelik. According to party sources, that conversation solidified Babacan’s decision not to be part of what he called a “party takeover” attempt.

His public statement underlined the gravity of his stance:

“I will not take part in an operation that pretends to save the party while in reality attempting to seize control.”

Political Implications

• Babacan’s departure reduces the trusteeship panel to four members and further weakens its legitimacy in the eyes of CHP supporters.

• The move also amplifies criticism that the trusteeship is not only legally controversial but also internally unsustainable.

• Within CHP, Babacan’s resignation is being interpreted as a symbolic defection that may encourage other figures to distance themselves from the process.