Internal discord is threatening to fracture Türkiye’s principal opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), as former leader Özgür Özel plans to establish a new political faction. This move follows his unsuccessful bid to retain leadership, having been defeated by Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. The potential schism within the CHP arises amid speculation over how many of its lawmakers might defect to Özel’s envisioned party.
Reports indicate that while Özel’s supporters suggest nearly 80 lawmakers might join his new venture, insiders from the CHP estimate the figure could be closer to 60. This discrepancy casts uncertainty on the new party’s ability to establish itself as the dominant opposition force in Parliament. The brewing division within the CHP highlights deeper disagreements regarding the party’s strategic future.
Adding complexity to the situation is the presence of Ekrem İmamoğlu, the former Mayor of Istanbul, whose continued influence within the CHP is a point of contention. İmamoğlu, despite facing ongoing legal challenges, remains a significant figure in the party, with some members wary of his impact on its direction.
In addition to navigating internal party dynamics, Özel himself is confronting legal hurdles. He is currently the subject of multiple parliamentary immunity cases. Should lawmakers decide to revoke his immunity, these legal battles could pose a major obstacle to his political aspirations.