Reaction to nullity ruling from figure praised by Erdoğan and Bahçeli: 'Turkey is entering a dark period'
Following the court-ordered cancellation of the CHP's 38th Ordinary Congress, a statement full of criticism came from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and the Socialist International, which he chairs. The statement emphasized that the decision poses a major threat to democratic values in Turkey.
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The Ankara 36th Regional Court of Justice's decision to invalidate the CHP's 38th Ordinary Congress, held on November 4-5, 2023, on the grounds of 'irregularities' and the 'impairment of the delegates' will,' has found wide repercussions not only in Turkey but also in the international public opinion. With the decision, the elected administration of the CHP and the powers of Chairman Özgür Özel have been provisionally suspended.
The Socialist International, headquartered in Spain and led by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, included the phrase "Turkey is entering a dark period" in its official statement regarding the development. At the same time, it was announced that support is being provided to the CHP and Özgür Özel.
Immediately after the court decision was announced, various media outlets in Europe evaluated the process as an "interference in democracy" and the "neutralization of the main opposition party."
In recent months, AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had praised Pedro Sánchez, addressing him as "my dear friend" and "my brother," specifically commending the clear stance Sánchez displayed against Israel regarding the Palestine issue. MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli also argued in his statement on March 24, 2026, that Sánchez's stance set an example for all Muslim countries.
The Socialist International, meanwhile, described the 'absolute nullity' decision in Turkey as "completely unlawful" and included the following statements:
“This decision is a blow to Turkey's democratic system. It is also a continuation of the unprecedented ban targeting Ekrem İmamoğlu. Turkey is entering a dark period. A well-prepared plan to eliminate the main opposition party. A roadmap for an authoritarian system. The EU can no longer remain blind and silent. By weaponizing justice in this way, Turkish authorities are acting as if they have appointed a trustee to the century-old CHP, the 'new' leader of the opposition. This is making a mockery of a democratic system.”
The statement also included messages indicating that the Socialist International stands in solidarity with the CHP and its current administration and that they will defend democracy.