In a dramatic development within Türkiye’s political arena, former Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel has spearheaded a significant exodus, as 91 lawmakers departed from the CHP to form a new political entity named the New Party (Yeni Parti). This mass departure represents the most substantial division in the CHP in recent years and has resulted in a notable shift in the power dynamics within the Turkish Parliament. With the addition of these 91 lawmakers, the New Party emerges as the largest opposition faction, while the CHP’s presence in parliament has dwindled from 135 seats to a mere 44, thereby relinquishing its long-standing status as the principal opposition party.
Özgür Özel officially inaugurated the New Party by signing its foundational documents, which were subsequently filed with the Interior Ministry to complete the registration process. The newly formed party’s founding board comprises the 91 former CHP lawmakers who joined Özel in this political venture. During a press briefing in Ankara, Özel affirmed that the legal formalities of the party’s registration had been finalized and that efforts to establish its leadership hierarchy would commence immediately. The founding board is set to convene at the historic Anadolu Club, a venue established under the guidance of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, to elect the party’s chairperson and other governing members.
Özel expressed that the New Party would make its debut in the forthcoming parliamentary budget discussions as the main opposition for what he described as “the first and last time.” He conveyed optimism that this movement would ultimately ascend to form a future government, with an agenda focused on achieving economic growth and maintaining political stability. This parliamentary realignment is anticipated to lead to a reorganization of seating arrangements within the General Assembly, increasing the number of parliamentary groups from six to seven.
The schism within the CHP follows a protracted period of internal strife, exacerbated when Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu was reinstated as party leader after a court decision annulled the prior party congress. In response to the formation of the New Party, CHP spokesperson Müslim Sarı questioned its necessity, pointing out that Özel had vowed to uphold the same political tenets as the CHP. Sarı remarked, “If you are going down the same path, why do you need a new party?” suggesting that the move seemed more aligned with political maneuvering than genuine ideological divergence.
The advent of the New Party is poised to significantly alter the landscape of opposition politics in Türkiye, setting the stage for upcoming legislative debates and the electoral contests that lie ahead.