Former CHP Hatay mayor sues to overturn party’s extraordinary congress decision

Lutfu Savas, a member of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and former mayor of Hatay Metropolitan Municipality, along with party congress delegates Levent Celik and Hatip Karaaslan, has filed a lawsuit seeking to annul the party’s decision to hold an extraordinary congress.

Their lawyer, Onur Yusuf Uregen, submitted a petition to Ankara’s 31st Civil Court of First Instance, citing CHP Chairman Ozgur Ozel’s announcement of the 21st Extraordinary Congress, scheduled for April 6, 2025, at the Nazim Hikmet Cultural Center in Yenimahalle, Ankara.

The petition argues that the call for an extraordinary congress was made by the current party administration, formed after the 38th Ordinary Congress, and claims that the decision is procedurally and legally flawed, rendering the congress and any resulting decisions invalid.

It also highlights ongoing lawsuits challenging the legitimacy of the 38th Ordinary Congress in Ankara’s 17th Civil Court of First Instance, as well as legal actions filed by other delegates. Additionally, it references a criminal investigation by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office into certain practices and actions that took place during the congress.

Legal basis for challenge

The petition asserts that the ongoing investigation suggests not only legal irregularities but also possible criminal violations during the congress. It argues that the current party leadership lacks the authority to call an extraordinary congress, making the decision legally void.

“The call violates the party’s charter, political party regulations, and fundamental legal principles,” the petition states. “It is entirely unlawful and has no legal standing. Therefore, considering that the 21st Extraordinary Congress scheduled for April 6, 2025, is being organized based on an invalid decision by unauthorized individuals, we respectfully request its annulment and the suspension of all related electoral procedures.”