Eight Politicians Position Themselves for CHP Leadership in 2027
The Republican People's Party will choose a new chair in 2027, with at least eight potential candidates, including a declared challenger.
Turkey’s oldest opposition party, the CHP, will hold a grand congress in spring 2027 to elect a new chair after Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu’s term ends. District and provincial congresses must conclude by February 14, after which the exact date of the grand congress will be set. At least eight politicians are being mentioned as possible successors, with former MP Aytuğ Atıcı publicly declaring his candidacy on September 15 after a meeting with Kılıçdaroğlu.
Other names in the mix are Muharrem Ince, Engin Altay, Oğuz Kaan Salıcı, Ali Öztunç, Vahap Seçer - the Mersin mayor who was recently detained on corruption charges - and Ümit Uysal. Ince has hinted he would only run if Kılıçdaroğlu does not, seeking a consensus formula to unite party factions. The leadership race comes as the CHP grapples with recent defections that have eroded its role as the main opposition.
Why it matters
The CHP’s leadership outcome will shape Turkey’s opposition strategy ahead of future elections.
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