Police in Ankara stormed the headquarters of the Republican People's Party (CHP) on Sunday morning in an attempt to reinstate the former leader, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu.
More than 100 police officers arrived at the main opposition party's building earlier in the day, gaining entry by cutting through the main entrance gate. The officers then used tear gas on party members who attempted to block the intrusion by barricading the reception level with chairs and sofas. Euronews reporter Burak Ütücü was among those affected by the gas.
Tensions have escalated since the reinstatement was announced in a controversial court ruling — a decision that can normally be taken only by the Supreme Electoral Council.
In a lawsuit filed to annul the CHP's 38th Ordinary Congress and 21st Extraordinary Congress held in 2023, which resulted in Özgür Özel becoming leader, the 36th Civil Chamber of the Ankara Regional Court of Justice ruled that both congresses were subject to "absolute nullity". The lawsuit followed allegations that delegates had been paid to vote for Özel.
'Pull back your third-rate mafia thugs'
The raid followed a phone call on Friday between Kılıçdaroğlu and Özel. According to Kılıçdaroğlu's new press adviser, Atakan Sönmez, the former leader conveyed his intention to "take the party to a congress at the most appropriate time."
By Sunday morning, a group of Kılıçdaroğlu supporters, including several MPs, marched on the headquarters, drawing immediate condemnation from party officials.
In a statement on his social media account, CHP MP Mahmut Tanal addressed Kılıçdaroğlu directly, telling him to "pull back your third-rate mafia thugs".
CHP MP Nurhayat Altaca Kayışoğlu also lashed out at the former leader. "For the sake of a parliamentary seat, you are trying to hand over this country's future once again to the same mentality ... We will not remain silent as Turkey is dragged back into darkness," she said, adding that he was sacrificing the hope of millions for personal gain.
Kılıçdaroğlu demands compliance
Meanwhile, Kılıçdaroğlu issued a statement calling on the CHP leadership to "comply with the court ruling and not act against party discipline". His lawyer, Celal Çelik, has applied to the Ankara police to request that the party building be officially handed over to them.
As the tense standoff continued at the headquarters, CHP MP Ali Mahir Başarır told Euronews: "What more harm can be done to Turkey's number one party?"
CHP parliamentary group deputy chair Murat Emir challenged Kılıçdaroğlu to face the party membership. "If you refuse to recognise the congresses we've held, then bring out the ballot box and let's hold a congress with whichever delegates you wish," he said.
