Ozgeur Ozel forms new political party in Turkey

On July 24, 2026, Ozgeur Ozel announced his departure from the Republican People's Party (CHP) and the formation of a new movement named "Yeni Parti" (New Party). This transition follows a May 2026 court ruling that voided Ozel's leadership of the CHP, resulting in the reinstatement of former leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu.

Ozel's move has significantly reshaped the Turkish parliament. Ninety-one members of parliament have defected from the CHP to join the founding committee of the new party, effectively establishing it as the main opposition force. The CHP, the historic social-democratic party founded by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, is now reduced to approximately 40 to 44 seats. Following this realignment, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) holds 277 seats, while the new party holds 91, the pro-Kurdish party has 56, the MHP 46, and the CHP 44.

Ozel has criticized the legal maneuvering against him, labeling it a strategic effort by the government to undermine the opposition ahead of upcoming elections. While the transition of the 91 deputies marks a major shift in the legislature, the ongoing fallout reflects deep instability within the traditional opposition structure.