Court ousts Turkish opposition leader: What comes next with Berk Esen

Berk Esen, associate professor of political science at Sabancı University in Istanbul, joins Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo for an emergency podcast on the latest blow against Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP).On Thursday, May 22, a Turkish court ousted CHP head Özgür Özel from the party leadership and replaced him with his predecessor Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu.This podcast outlines Turkey’s ongoing slide towards autocracy, how Özel and his supporters might respond and the prospects for early elections as a result of this unprecedented moment in Turkish politics. Referenced in this talk:Submit a question for our Q&A podcast with this formKılıç In The Matrix (Turkey recap)Turkey court rules to oust opposition leader in latest blow to Erdogan’s challengers (Reuters)Istanbul’s mayor on trial for corruption charges (BBC)How to Fight Turkey’s Authoritarian Turn (Journal of Democracy)Other ways to watch & listen:Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players.Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: [email protected] here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools.We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to produce balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey.Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Stüdyo recap editorDemet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe