Özgür Özel Announces Launch of a New Political Party: “We Are Taking the First Step with Our Members of Parliament”

ANKARA – CHP parliamentary group leader Özgür Özel has officially announced the formation of a new political party, marking what he described as a historic turning point in Turkish politics. Speaking during his final address from the party’s parliamentary group podium, Özel said the new movement would begin with the participation of elected provincial chairpersons, the Party Assembly (PM), the Central Executive Board (MYK), and members of parliament.

Declaring that the initiative represents far more than a simple organizational change, Özel described it as the beginning of a new political journey aimed at leading the country. He stated that meetings with the party’s elected leadership would begin immediately and confirmed that the new party’s foundation would be established with lawmakers entrusted by the Turkish people.

Reflecting on CHP’s recent electoral performance, Özel argued that the party’s emphasis on young and female candidates had produced significant gains in local elections. He maintained that these reforms enabled CHP to become Turkey’s largest political party for the first time in 47 years, calling the achievement proof that the party’s strategy of renewal had been successful.

A substantial portion of his speech focused on criticism of the government. Özel alleged that legal actions targeting opposition municipalities, elected mayors, and senior party figures were politically motivated. He argued that these developments were part of a broader effort to weaken the opposition through judicial and administrative pressure.

Addressing concerns about the future parliamentary balance, Özel insisted that the newly established party would immediately become the country’s main opposition force after the necessary legal procedures were completed. He emphasized that the transition would not diminish the opposition’s parliamentary role but instead strengthen its political position.

Özel also introduced the concept of a broad “Turkey Alliance,” inviting citizens from diverse political backgrounds to unite under common democratic values. He said the movement would welcome social democrats, conservative democrats, nationalist democrats, Kurdish democrats, liberals, and other groups who share respect for the Republic of Türkiye and its founding principles.

Seeking to reassure party members, Özel stressed that no current political figures would be left behind during the transition. He specifically referenced prominent opposition mayors, saying they would remain part of the movement’s long-term vision and collective effort toward future elections.

Concluding his speech, Özel called on supporters to embrace what he described as a “new road” after existing political avenues had been blocked. He expressed confidence that the new movement would continue its march toward power with broad public support, framing the initiative as the next chapter in Turkey’s opposition politics.