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Özgür Özel Leads 91 CHP MPs to Form Yeni Parti, Challenging Erdogan
Former CHP group leader Özgür Özel was removed by a court decision in May 2026 and subsequently resigned from the Republican People’s Party (CHP). On 24 July 2026, 91 CHP deputies signed founding documents for the Yeni Parti (New Party) and delivered them to the Interior Ministry, formally launching the party. Özel was elected party chairman by unanimous vote of the founding committee, which also appointed an 80‑member Party Assembly and a 15‑member High Discipline Board.
The new party held its first organizational meetings at the Anadolu Club and performed a symbolic visit to Anıtkabir, presenting flowers with the party name. Its establishment altered the parliamentary balance: CHP seats fell from 135 to 44, while Yeni Parti became the second‑largest opposition group after the ruling AKP, ahead of the DEM party. The party announced plans for an online membership drive, fundraising, and a congress scheduled for late September or early October. The rapid structuring and high‑profile resignations signal a major reshaping of Turkey’s opposition landscape ahead of upcoming elections.