European Socialist Party Condemns CHP Congress Cancellation as 'Dangerous Authoritarian Escalation'

The European Socialist Party (PES) described the court-ordered cancellation of the CHP's 38th Ordinary Congress and subsequent developments as a "dangerous authoritarian escalation."

In a statement reported by Cumhuriyet Gazetesi, PES emphasized that it stands alongside the CHP, Chairman Özgür Özel, and all members "in favor of freedom, justice, and democracy."

The party's forceful tone on Turkey demonstrates that the congress process is being closely monitored by socialist and social democratic parties across Europe.

The CHP Congress was cancelled by the court following lawsuits filed by internal opposition groups — a decision that deepened debates over the legitimacy of the party's leadership.

PES's statement stands as one of the most explicit and highest-level political assessments yet among international voices supporting the Turkish opposition.