In a significant development within Türkiye’s political arena, 91 lawmakers have departed from the Republican People’s Party (CHP) under the leadership of former party leader Özgür Özel. These lawmakers have established a new political entity known as the New Party (Yeni Parti). This mass exodus represents one of the most substantial splits in the CHP’s recent history, altering the dynamics in the Turkish Parliament. With the addition of these lawmakers, the New Party emerges as the largest opposition group, while the CHP’s representation in parliament drastically drops from 135 seats to 44, stripping it of its position as the main opposition party.
Özgür Özel officially inaugurated the New Party on Friday by completing its founding documentation, which was submitted to the Interior Ministry for official registration. The lawmakers who left the CHP have also joined the founding board of the new party. During a press conference in Ankara, Özel announced the party’s legal registration and outlined plans to establish its leadership structure. The founding board is set to meet at the historic Anadolu Club, a venue created under the guidance of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, to appoint the party’s chairperson and governing bodies.
Özel expressed confidence in the New Party’s future, stating that it would participate in the upcoming parliamentary budget negotiations as the main opposition “for the first and last time.” He voiced optimism that the party would eventually lead a government committed to economic prosperity and political stability. This reshuffle is poised to rearrange the seating in the General Assembly and increase the number of parliamentary groups from six to seven.
The split within the CHP comes after months of internal discord, following Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu’s return to the party leadership after a court ruling overturned a previous party congress. CHP spokesperson Müslim Sarı questioned the necessity of forming a new party, pointing out that Özel had pledged to adhere to the same political principles as the CHP. Sarı remarked, “If you are going down the same path, why do you need a new party?” suggesting that the move may be more about political maneuvering than substantial policy differences.
The emergence of the New Party is anticipated to significantly impact opposition politics in Türkiye, with implications for future legislative debates and elections. As the political landscape shifts, the New Party’s formation signals a new chapter in the country’s parliamentary dynamics.