Newsletters
A new political party led by suspended Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman and parliamentary group leader Ozgur Ozel is expected to take its first formal step next week, with its establishment petition reportedly set to be submitted to Türkiye's Interior Ministry on Monday, July 27.
The move comes as legal proceedings involving Türkiye's main opposition party continue after a court ruling annulled the CHP's 2023 leadership election and reinstated former Chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu as interim chairman.
According to Turkish media reports, the petition to establish the party is expected to be filed under Ozel's leadership.
The party will reportedly be named "New Party," while its founding council is expected to consist predominantly of lawmakers.
At least 70 members of Parliament are expected to join the new party in the initial stage after its establishment, according to the reports.
Before the formal establishment process begins, Ozel is expected to address the CHP's parliamentary group meeting Tuesday for the final time in his capacity as the party's parliamentary group leader.
He is expected to discuss developments following the court ruling and deliver messages about the political path ahead, according to the reports.
Ozel had previously said preparations for a new political party were underway and that formal steps could be taken in late July or early August.
He said work was continuing on the party's name, logo, bylaws and political program, while stressing at the time that a final decision would depend on the exhaustion of legal avenues and consultations with elected CHP provincial chairs.
Ozel has repeatedly framed the possible establishment of a new party as part of a contingency plan amid the CHP legal dispute, previously saying, "We will either find a way or make one."
Ozel is also expected to hold a series of meetings this week as preparations continue.
Following Tuesday's weekly parliamentary group meeting, he is expected to meet with elected CHP provincial chairs.
On Wednesday, he is scheduled to chair meetings of the CHP's Party Assembly (PM) and Central Executive Board (MYK), while separate talks with CHP lawmakers are also expected during the week.
A timetable for forming the new party's leadership structure and parliamentary group is expected to be announced after the formal establishment procedures are completed.
The CHP has been embroiled in a leadership dispute since an Ankara court in May annulled the party's 2023 leadership election over alleged irregularities and reinstated Kilicdaroglu as interim chairman.
Ozel, who defeated Kilicdaroglu at the 2023 congress, was removed from the party leadership under the ruling.
CHP officials have denied allegations that the original leadership contest was tainted by misconduct.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
