After court ruling, is a new party on the horizon? Journalist claims Kılıçdaroğlu loyalists may split from CHP

Following an Ankara court decision rejecting the annulment of the main opposition CHP’s congress, journalist Sinan Burhan suggested that the ruling could trigger a new political rupture within the party. Burhan claimed that figures close to former CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu are considering founding a new political movement, while the decision may also strengthen Özgür Özel’s hand as both party leader and a potential presidential candidate.

Court rejects congress annulment request

The Ankara 42nd Civil Court this week rejected an appeal seeking to annul the results of the CHP’s 38th Congress, where Özgür Özel defeated Ekrem İmamoğlu-backed delegates to become party chairman.

While the ruling settled a months-long legal challenge, it also revived debate over the future direction of Turkey’s main opposition.

Sinan Burhan: “This decision could shake CHP’s internal balance”

Speaking on TV100, journalist Sinan Burhan argued that the court’s ruling was not just a legal milestone but also a potential turning point in CHP’s internal power struggle.

“This decision could mark the beginning of a transformation that deeply shakes the internal balance of the CHP,” Burhan said.

He claimed that some provincial and district chairs, along with MPs still loyal to Kılıçdaroğlu, have begun discussing the possibility of forming a new party.

“Certain figures may soon knock on Kılıçdaroğlu’s door with a proposal to establish a new political party,” Burhan added.

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“The ruling strengthens Özel’s position for 2028”

Burhan also suggested that the decision effectively ends Ekrem İmamoğlu’s presidential prospects, tilting the balance of power firmly toward Özgür Özel.

“This development consolidates Özel’s leadership and moves him closer to becoming CHP’s official presidential candidate,” he said.

The journalist described the ruling as a dual victory for Özel — both legally, in confirming his leadership, and politically, in paving the way for his future candidacy.

“Kılıçdaroğlu preparing a statement on party corruption claims”

Burhan further claimed that former CHP chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and his longtime ally Bülent Kuşoğlu are preparing to address the public in the coming days.

“They will issue statements about internal mistakes and corruption allegations within the party,” Burhan said, adding that Kılıçdaroğlu had remained silent during the trial to avoid influencing the court’s process but will “speak publicly now that the verdict has been delivered.”

Possible new fault line within the opposition

If Burhan’s claims prove accurate, a formal breakaway from the CHP could deepen Turkey’s opposition fragmentation ahead of the next national elections.

Analysts note that while Kılıçdaroğlu’s influence has waned since losing the 2023 presidential race and party leadership, he still commands loyal support among local cadres and veteran members, which could give any new formation a modest but politically significant base.