Turkey's main opposition party dodges a bullet

An Ankara court today gave main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Ozgur Ozel a breather, dismissing a case that could have unseated him.

Ezgi Akin
Ezgi Akin
Oct 24, 2025
Leader of Turkey's main opposition party, Republican Peoples Party (CHP), Ozgur Ozel addresses the media at the party headquarters after a hearing on corruption charges against the party, in Ankara on October 24, 2025. An Ankara court on October 24, 2025 threw out a graft case against Turkey's main opposition CHP on grounds it had no substance, an AFP journalist at the hearing said. The case, which centred on alleged vote buying at a Republican People's Party (CHP) primary in 2023, was rejected by the judge

Greetings from a rainy Ankara.

The main opposition and its leader, Ozgur Ozel, dodged a legal bullet today, but victory toasts are still nowhere on the horizon as they navigate a full-blown legal crackdown. Meanwhile, Erdogan’s Gulf tour wrapped up with deals and handshakes. Plus, Turkey now has a new man in Damascus.

Stay as dry as British humor while the rainy season soaks our parched Earth. ☔

Ezgi (Follow me on X: @ezgi_akin)

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