Özgür Özel advances new‑party plans as CHP splinters over kurultay dispute

CHP’s internal struggle has intensified around the upcoming kurultay. Group leader Özgür Özel’s faction, opposed to Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu’s camp, is preparing a possible break‑away party. Kulis reports claim that up to 20 CHP MPs could transfer to a new formation, while others intend to stay and contest the kurultay. Negotiations are said to involve existing parties such as the Anadolu Birliği Party and the DSP, and rumors of a “Yürüyüş Partisi” name and logo have surfaced.

Özel has been touring southeastern Turkey, notably Diyarbakır, where he prayed at the Ulu Cami, visited es‑naf, and paid tribute to slain lawyer Tahir Elçi. He delivered Selah Attin Demirtaş’s greetings, stating, “Selahattin Demirtaş ın selamı bütün Diyarbakır, bütün Kürtler adına…”. He also announced a policy drive to cancel interest on farmers’ agricultural loans and to overhaul electricity billing.

In statements to the press, Özel warned, “Ya bir yol bulacağız ya bir yol açacağız, yürüyelim arkadaşlar,” underscoring the group’s resolve to either find a legal route within CHP or create a new political platform before the July‑end deadline.