Cemil Tugay quits CHP and vows to join new party

İzmir Büyükşehir Belediye Başkanı Dr. Cemil Tugay announced his resignation from the Republican People’s Party (CHP) after Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu’s recent “mutlak butlan” appointments and dismissals. Tugay criticised the party leadership, saying he could not recognise the decisions that led to the removal of several provincial chairs.

In interviews with Nefes newspaper, Tugay said he will continue to serve as mayor as an independent and that he will support the new party to be founded by Özgür Özel. He stressed he will not join the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and will return to CHP only if Özel regains the party’s leadership. Tugay’s statements indicate a potential realignment in Turkish opposition politics ahead of the 2027 elections.