Analysis

In-Depth Analysis

Smart, independent reporting on Turkey's politics, economy and foreign affairs.

ONCE-WINNING OPPOSITION IS FALLING APART
Deep Dive Sep 24, 2026

ONCE-WINNING OPPOSITION IS FALLING APART

After defeating the AKP in the 2024 local elections, the opposition set its sights on the presidency but the split and rivalry between the CHP and the Yeni Party are now weakening it by the day.

Editorial Staff 16 min
RISK OF A SPLIT WITHIN THE CHP IS RISING
Capital Currents Jun 4, 2026

RISK OF A SPLIT WITHIN THE CHP IS RISING

'Neutralize your biggest rival; weaken the CHP by splitting it.' These two phrases sum up the purpose behind all the operations targeting the CHP over the past year, as seen from within the party.

Nergis Demirkaya 5 min
ÖZEL HAS THE CROWD, KILIÇDAROĞLU HOLDS THE SEAL, THE EXIT IS ANYONE'S GUESS FOR THE CHP
Inside Turkey Jun 1, 2026

ÖZEL HAS THE CROWD, KILIÇDAROĞLU HOLDS THE SEAL, THE EXIT IS ANYONE'S GUESS FOR THE CHP

Turkey's oldest and main opposition party, the CHP, is now effectively divided in two after a court annulled the party's November 2023 congress and reinstated former chair Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu in place of Özgür Özel. The split became more visible when both camps held rallies simultaneously at 2 p.m. on May 30. Kılıçdaroğlu returned to party headquarters to chants of 'Kılıçdaroğlu, the people's hope' — a stark reversal from just days earlier, when another crowd had branded him a 'traitor' and 'the AKP's hope' on May 24, reacting to the court-ordered change in the party leadership carried out with police support. The first head-to-head show of strength between the two camps laid bare a simple reality: Özel commands greater grassroots support, but Kılıçdaroğlu holds the formal authority to run the party.

Editorial Team 15 min