Özgür Özel Announces New Party After Leaving CHP

Özgür Özel, Turkey’s main opposition leader, announced his departure from the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and said he will form a new political party. He described the move as a “new beginning,” following legal and political turmoil inside the CHP. Özel said the new party will continue pursuing a social-democratic line and will be built with lawmakers who back him. Reports say his team is preparing the party’s establishment steps, with the goal of becoming the main opposition in parliament.