Kılıçdaroğlu Allies Plan to Boycott CHP’s November Congress

As Turkey’s main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), prepares for its 39th Ordinary Congress scheduled for November 28–30, new signs of division have surfaced. Several lawmakers close to former party leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu are reportedly planning to boycott the congress, opting to stay silent and avoid attending the high-stakes gathering in Ankara.

Silent Protest From Kılıçdaroğlu’s Circle

According to a report by Türkiye newspaper, about 10 CHP deputies aligned with Kılıçdaroğlu have decided not to participate in the congress after the court rejected their legal challenge to annul the 38th Ordinary Congress results. The decision, seen as a symbolic gesture of discontent, highlights ongoing tensions between the party’s old guard and the leadership of Özgür Özel, who replaced Kılıçdaroğlu in 2023.

Party insiders claim these lawmakers will avoid public commentary, refrain from social media activity, and decline to cast votes—despite being automatic delegates under CHP’s bylaws.

Fallout From a Leadership Transition

The boycott plan comes in the wake of months of unease among Kılıçdaroğlu loyalists, who feel marginalized under the new leadership. Many view the November congress as a consolidation of Özel’s authority rather than an open contest of ideas.

The court’s dismissal of the appeal to overturn the previous congress results—where Özel officially assumed control—appears to have been the final blow for some within Kılıçdaroğlu’s camp. Sources close to the group suggest that frustration over the party’s internal direction and communication style has deepened the divide.

A Test of Party Unity

The boycott, if realized, would not prevent the congress from proceeding, but it may undermine perceptions of unity at a time when CHP is seeking to expand its voter base ahead of upcoming local and national elections. Analysts warn that such internal fractures could weaken the party’s ability to present a coherent opposition front.

While Özel’s leadership has emphasized renewal and youth engagement, critics argue that the party risks alienating its senior figures and long-standing members who shaped CHP’s identity during Kılıçdaroğlu’s 13-year tenure.

What to Expect at the 39th Congress

The upcoming congress, set to take place at Ankara Sports Hall, will include discussions on the party’s strategic roadmap, organizational reforms, and preparations for the 2026 general election cycle. However, attention is now shifting to whether the Kılıçdaroğlu faction’s absence will overshadow policy debates and highlight lingering divisions.

For the CHP, a party that prides itself on institutional continuity and democratic processes, the silent protest of its veteran lawmakers poses a new challenge — balancing renewal with respect for legacy.

As the congress date approaches, both camps seem determined to hold their ground, signaling that the struggle for CHP’s identity is far from over.