Ozgur Ozel, the former head of Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), has announced the formation of a new party after being removed from his post in May. Dubbed Yeni Parti (New Party), the organization has already drawn 91 lawmakers, making it the second-largest bloc in parliament.

Ozel's ouster followed a court ruling that nullified his 2023 election as party leader, citing alleged irregularities. The CHP headquarters in Ankara was surrounded by special forces, and Ozel eventually surrendered, stating: 'Our only crime is to have defeated the ruling party.'

Under Ozel's leadership, the CHP achieved its first nationwide victory over President Erdogan's AKP in 22 years during the March 2024 local elections, winning control of 14 major cities. Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu emerged as a potential presidential challenger but was later arrested on corruption charges.

The court ruling reinstated former leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who had lost every election under his watch. Analysts suggest the split benefits Erdogan by weakening opposition ahead of the 2028 presidential election. The CHP, founded by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in 1923, has been reduced to 44 seats.

Seren Selvin Korkmaz, director of IstanPol think tank, noted that Ozel's party has 'broad but conditional potential' for support, with 30% of voters likely to back it. However, she warned that uniting diverse voter expectations—from nationalists to pro-Kurdish groups—will be a major challenge.

Ozel must establish party structures in at least 41 of Turkey's 81 provinces to contest the 2028 presidential election. Without access to CHP's financial resources, the task is daunting. 'We will march to power,' Ozel declared in his farewell speech.

Source: www.dw.com