CHP faces identity debates following split and move to Yeni Parti

The Republican People's Party (CHP) is facing internal shifts following the departure of Özgür Özel and several members of parliament to the Yeni Parti. This movement has reignited long-standing debates regarding the party's identity and its relationship with its social base.

One central point of discussion is whether the CHP is evolving into an ‘Alevi party’. The absence of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu from recent Hacıbektaş ceremonies has prompted questions about whether the party is losing support from the Alevi community. The current political climate has also brought historical discussions back to the forefront, specifically regarding the viability of dedicated Alevi political parties in Turkey, citing past examples like the Birlik Party and the Barış Party.