In a significant shift within Türkiye’s political arena, 91 lawmakers have departed from the Republican People’s Party (CHP) to form a new political entity known as the New Party (Yeni Parti). This mass exodus, spearheaded by former CHP leader Özgür Özel, represents the largest division the CHP has experienced in recent history. The newly established party now stands as the largest opposition group in the Turkish Parliament, while the CHP’s representation has dwindled from 135 seats to just 44, stripping it of its status as the primary opposition party.
The New Party was officially launched on Friday when Özel signed the founding documents, which were subsequently submitted to the Interior Ministry for registration. The 91 former CHP members are now part of the New Party’s founding board. In a statement to reporters in Ankara, Özel confirmed the completion of the party’s legal registration and outlined plans to quickly establish its leadership framework. The founding board is set to meet at the historic Anadolu Club, originally established by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, to elect the party’s chairperson and governing bodies.
Özel expressed that the New Party would engage in the upcoming parliamentary budget negotiations in its new capacity as the main opposition, marking what he described as the “first and last time” for this role. He conveyed optimism that the party would eventually lead a government focused on economic growth and political stability. This parliamentary realignment will necessitate adjustments in the seating arrangements within the General Assembly and will increase the number of parliamentary groups from six to seven.
This substantial split comes after a period of internal discord within the CHP, which intensified following Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu’s return to the party leadership. His comeback was facilitated by a court ruling that nullified the previous party congress. Criticism from within the CHP, such as statements from spokesperson Müslim Sarı, questioned the rationale behind forming a new party when Özel had committed to adhering to the same political principles as the CHP. Sarı suggested that the formation of the New Party seemed to be more about political maneuvering than genuine policy disagreement.
The arrival of the New Party is poised to alter the dynamics of opposition politics in Türkiye, influencing future legislative discussions and elections. As this new group takes shape, its impact on the country’s political landscape will likely become a focal point in the run-up to upcoming political contests.