With regards to decision issued on 21 May by the Ankara Regional Court of Justice declaring the congress of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) to be of 'absolute nullity' and ordering the interim removal of Mr Özgür Özel from his position as party leader, Kata Tüttő, President of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and Jelena Drenjanin, Chair of the CoR Working group on relations with Türkiye, issued the following statement:
The interim removal of Mr Özgür Özel from his position as leader of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) raises serious concerns regarding the functioning of democratic opposition in Türkiye.
This decision prompts important questions about the independence of the judiciary and respect for democratic pluralism. The ability of political parties to operate freely, determine their leadership through democratic procedures, and represent citizens without undue interference is a cornerstone of any system based on the rule of law.
The CoR expresses its full solidarity with Mr Özgür Özel. We recall that respect for the rule of law, democratic institutions and the separation of powers remain fundamental to relations between the European Union and Türkiye. Judicial actions that may affect political competition risk undermining confidence in democratic governance and have consequences not only for political actors, but also for the millions of citizens whose democratic preferences and electoral choices they represent.
We are equally concerned about the broader context in which this decision has been taken, including sustained pressures affecting elected representatives at the local and regional levels, including the Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Local authorities are the backbone of democratic life, and any interference with their mandates weakens citizens’ trust and representation.
The CoR reaffirms its strong commitment to local democracy, political pluralism, and the protection of elected officials at all levels. We will continue to closely follow developments and remain engaged with our counterparts in Türkiye in support of democratic standards, the rule of law, and resilient local governance.