Liberal Parti Chairman Zübeyir Gülabi: “Decisions Amounting to Intervention in Democracy Are Damaging Türkiye”

Liberal Parti Chairman Zübeyir Gülabi reacted strongly to the ruling issued by the 36th Civil Chamber of the Ankara Regional Court of Justice regarding the CHP congress in his press statement dated May 23, 2026. Gülabi argued that the decision not only affects a political party but also calls into question the legitimacy of democratic political life in Türkiye.

In his statement, Gülabi emphasized that reopening debate over a congress already approved by the Supreme Election Council through judicial intervention could have serious constitutional consequences. Stressing that elections and the ballot box are the legitimate grounds of political struggle in democratic regimes, he stated that judicial processes transforming into mechanisms that redesign politics damage the rule of law.

Referring to the decision concerning the main opposition party, Gülabi said it could have severe consequences for democratic competition and the national will. “It is unacceptable for courts to annul the delegates’ choice in a party congress and appoint a party leader despite approval by the Supreme Election Council,” he said.

Gülabi also argued that the principle of separation of powers in Türkiye has weakened and that such decisions undermine public trust in justice while narrowing the democratic political sphere. He stated that the Liberal Party has been engaged in politics for 13 years against what it describes as an increasingly oppressive regime, adding that the party is not a temporary opposition movement but a political project aimed at rebuilding Türkiye’s democratic institutions.

Calling for a strong parliamentary system, Gülabi highlighted that an independent and impartial judiciary is an indispensable element of democracy. He stated that their goal is a political system where the Turkish Grand National Assembly exercises effective legislative authority, checks and balances function properly, and courts operate free from the influence of any power center.

Concluding his remarks, Gülabi said that Türkiye needs more democracy, freedom, and rule of law rather than more pressure and political engineering. “Türkiye’s future lies not in political engineering, but in a strong rule of law and a free democratic order,” he stated.

Kaynak: Liberal Parti Press Statement – May 23, 2026