Analysis

In-Depth Analysis

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

MORE THAN A CONGRESS: HIDDEN BATTLEGROUNDS OF THE CHP CRISIS
Deep Dive Jun 5, 2026

MORE THAN A CONGRESS: HIDDEN BATTLEGROUNDS OF THE CHP CRISIS

Since the court voided the CHP's 2023 party congress, the main opposition has been unable to untangle the knot — and each new court decision pulls it tighter. The question is whether the party can hold an extraordinary congress to break the deadlock. But the forces shaping what comes next run deeper: when and how the CHP headquarters under Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, 77, will move to press disciplinary charges, expelling some figures; whether the parliamentary immunity of ousted chair Özgür Özel, 51, and his allies — implicated by recent testimonies from Antalya and Uşak — will be lifted; and when a new party will be established.

Editorial Team 28 min
THE CHP'S MONTHS-LONG NIGHTMARE: THE "SPECTER OF ABSOLUTE NULLITY"
Deep Dive May 29, 2026

THE CHP'S MONTHS-LONG NIGHTMARE: THE "SPECTER OF ABSOLUTE NULLITY"

As the CHP’s criminal court case on its 2023 party congress nears, speculation that the former administration under Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu will replace the chairmanship of Özgür Özel has resurfaced. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s remarks fueled the flames, as did Kılıçdaroğlu’s snub of Özel at a funeral.

Editorial Team
DISARMAMENT DELAYS COULD DERAIL DEM PARTY CONGRESS PLANS
Capital Currents May 15, 2026

DISARMAMENT DELAYS COULD DERAIL DEM PARTY CONGRESS PLANS

The PKK’s disarmament, which has now stretched beyond a year and a half, has stalled at precisely the most critical stage — the point at which the state is expected to take action. Unless the government softens its precondition that “the disarmament process must first be fully completed,” the expected legal steps will likely be postponed until the new legislative year in October. The risks posed by delay are being discussed and meanwhile it also appears set to derail the transformation plans of the DEM Party, which has already started the countdown to a congress.

Nergis Demirkaya
CHP MOVES TO A NEW PHASE: POSITIVE PROPAGANDA
Capital Currents Feb 26, 2026

CHP MOVES TO A NEW PHASE: POSITIVE PROPAGANDA

The main opposition, the CHP, has had a tough year of operations targeting its municipalities and lawsuits against its party congress. According to party officials, the appointment of Akın Gürlek — who oversaw the municipal investigations — as justice minister signals that the road to elections may become even more challenging.

Nergis Demirkaya