Ozgur Ozel announces plans to form new political party after CHP leadership removal

Ozgur Ozel, the former leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP) in Turkey, announced his resignation and the intention to form a new political entity. This follows a May 21 court ruling that nullified the 2023 party congress, resulting in the reinstatement of former leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Ozel, who claims the court action was government interference to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2028 elections, stated that the official registration application for his new party is expected to be submitted to the Ministry of Interior on Monday, July 27. Reports indicate the new party may be named 'Yeni Parti' and will be composed of lawmakers loyal to Ozel. The move follows a failed attempt to resolve the 'absolute invalidity' case through the Supreme Court of Appeals before the judicial summer recess. Ozel aims to establish the new party as a major opposition force in the Grand National Assembly. While Ozel characterizes the court's intervention as politically motivated, the internal legal battle over the legitimacy of the party's leadership remains a significant point of contention.