Ozgur Ozel Announces New Political Party in Turkey to Challenge Erdogan
Former Republican People's Party (CHP) chairman Ozgur Ozel has announced he will resign from the party and establish a new political movement, marking a major shift in Turkey's opposition landscape ahead of the next general elections.
Ozel said the move represents a "new beginning" rather than a retreat, pledging to continue challenging President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The decision follows a court ruling in May that removed Ozel as CHP leader and reinstated former chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu, a ruling Ozel and his supporters have strongly criticized.
The development comes as Turkey's opposition faces an ongoing legal crackdown, with hundreds of opposition officials detained and Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu remaining in prison. Ozel also reaffirmed his support for Imamoglu and Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas.
Political analysts say the new party could reshape Turkey's opposition but may also divide anti-Erdogan voters, potentially strengthening the ruling AK Party ahead of elections expected by May 2028.
