CHP Mobilizes Mayors Amid Legal Crackdown and Escalating Political Tensions

As judicial operations targeting CHP-led municipalities continue to escalate, Türkiye’s main opposition party is preparing a unified political response. The Republican People’s Party (CHP) has summoned all of its mayors to Ankara for a critical meeting on Thursday, July 10, signaling a potential shift toward a firmer stance against what the party views as politically motivated legal actions.

Wave of Operations Intensifies, Arrests Top Officials

Following the March 19 detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, multiple CHP municipalities—Antalya, Adıyaman, and Manavgat—have been subjected to judicial operations. The most recent and high-profile case resulted in the arrest of Antalya Metropolitan Mayor Muhittin Böcek.

This latest development deepens fears of systematic political targeting of opposition-led local governments, a sentiment echoed widely within the CHP’s inner circles.

Özgür Özel Faces Criminal Investigation

Amid the growing political storm, CHP Chairman Özgür Özel is now under criminal investigation. The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched proceedings against him on charges including insulting the president, inciting crime, and threatening public officials. The investigation was prompted by remarks Özel made during a press statement following a CHP Central Executive Board (MYK) meeting.

Özel’s Remarks: “Don’t Remove the Ballot Box — Or We’ll Bring One Ourselves”

In his speech, Özel directed sharp criticism at President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the AK Party, accusing them of double standards and corruption. He referenced a case involving an Audi A8 gifted to an AK Party mayor, contrasting it with opposition mayors being jailed over unproven allegations.

“We’re not threatening with a coup or violence,” said Özel. “But if anyone tries to eliminate elections or take them from the people, that same people will bring back the ballot box with their own hands.”

He warned that Türkiye is approaching a decisive moment:

“If you don’t bring out the ballot box by November 2, I will.”

He further stated that if early elections are not voluntarily initiated by the ruling party, the CHP is determined to rally public support to force democratic accountability.

Mobilization and Protest on the Horizon?

Özel also suggested that public demonstrations could be imminent. While emphasizing peaceful democratic action, he hinted that organized protests across all 81 provinces may soon follow, calling on citizens to stay alert and be ready for mass democratic mobilization if necessary.

The July 10 gathering of CHP mayors in Ankara is expected to be a key moment in shaping the party’s strategy amid an increasingly confrontational political climate.