The Republican People’s Party (CHP), Türkiye’s primary opposition group, is at risk of fracturing as internal discord intensifies. Former leader Özgür Özel is poised to unveil a new political party later this week, a move that comes on the heels of his defeat in the party’s leadership contest against Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu.
While Özel’s faction claims that as many as 80 CHP legislators may defect to join his new venture, internal sources within the party suggest that this figure might be closer to 60. This discrepancy raises questions about the potential of Özel’s new party to establish itself as the dominant opposition force in the Parliament.
The brewing schism highlights deeper divisions within the CHP regarding its strategic direction. Compounding these tensions is the lingering influence of former Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who continues to be a prominent, albeit controversial, figure amid ongoing legal challenges.
In addition to navigating these internal dynamics, Özel faces legal hurdles that could further complicate his political ambitions. There are multiple parliamentary immunity cases against him, and if lawmakers decide to revoke his immunity, it could pose a significant obstacle to his political career.