A new chapter has opened for Turkey’s opposition as Özgür Özel—the former leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), who was removed from office by a court ruling—announced his departure from the party and the formation of a new political force. He made the announcement during his farewell speech at the CHP parliamentary group meeting in Ankara, stating that the new party aims to become the largest opposition bloc in Turkey’s Grand National Assembly.
‘Every End Is a Beginning’
‘Today we face a difficult but inevitable farewell. Yet we carry with us the hope for a fresh start,’ Özel said, entering the hall under the slogan ‘Every end is a beginning.’ He confirmed that the formal establishment of the new party would be completed imminently, though he did not reveal its name.
‘Tomorrow, we take the first step of our new party together with MPs elected by the people. With this new political force, we will become—by a wide margin—the largest opposition party in parliament,’ he declared.
A Major Rift in the Historic CHP
Özel’s exit marks one of the most significant splits in the 103-year history of the CHP. It comes two months after a court annulled the party’s 2023 congress, leading to his removal from leadership and the reinstatement of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu as party chairman. The case is expected to be reviewed again by Turkey’s Council of State in September.
‘The CHP Is at an Impasse’
Özel argued that Turkey stands at a critical political juncture and accused the CHP leadership of steering the party into a dead end. ‘The country is at a historic crossroads. The party is under occupation—trapped between a judicial ruling and the walls of the Palace,’ he said, alluding to alleged government interference in internal party affairs.
He also claimed the political legacy of the historic party remains with him and his supporters. ‘We left the building—but we took the legacy with us. The people’s mandate is with us. The tradition that founded the Republic is with us,’ he stated.
A Call to Supporters
Özel emphasized that founding the new party is not a betrayal of the CHP’s principles, but rather a continuation of its political mission through a new organizational form. ‘This is not a split or a surrender—it is the next step to move more dynamically toward power,’ he said.
In closing, he urged his supporters to join him in this new political initiative, expressing confidence that the emerging formation will play a pivotal role in Turkey’s evolving political landscape.