[108374] Political storm in Turkey: Internal tensions in the CHP and discussions on the future of the presidency

Political tension in Turkey: Turmoil in the CHP and the issue of presidential candidacy

The political system in Turkey is in an uproar today, July 2, 2026, surrounding two central developments: the deep crisis in the Republican People's Party (CHP) and the discussions surrounding the presidential candidacy.

The crisis in the CHP: "Cannot stay, cannot leave"

According to the gdh channel, the tension between the camps of Özgür Özel and Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has reached a boiling point. In a column published by Mahmut Aydın, it was written that the situation reminds one of a famous song: "I can't tell you to leave, I can't tell you to stay". The situation is characterized by mutual anticipation of a breakup, with each side waiting for the other to leave the party.

At the same time, the Gündem Analiz channel reports on an analysis by Bedri Baykam, which points to an internal "political massacre" in the CHP. According to him, the dismissal of 26 district heads and the initiation of disciplinary proceedings against seven others indicate a deep and dramatic organizational process, which could lead Özgür Özel's movement to a state where it is left without an official party framework.

The debate on presidential candidacy

In another arena, journalist Abdulkadir Selvi, writing for TurkishNews, addresses the issue of presidential candidacy. Selvi cites the chairman of the MHP party, Devlet Bahçeli, who attacked the early discourse on alternative candidates: "Our President is in office, and we stand behind him".

This position reflects the government line, according to which discussions about other candidates are "dangerous" as long as Recep Tayyip Erdoğan serves in his position. While opposition sources are focusing on structural changes within the CHP, sources close to the government emphasize the importance of stability around the figure of the incumbent president.