Özgür Özel to Launch New Opposition Party

Officials said Özgür Özel announced on July 23, 2026 that he will form a new political party within a few days and that the organisation will be the main opposition by parliamentary seat count. Reaction pending.

CHP "nöbetçi" MP plan

Officials said Özel’s camp intends to leave some party group members in place as "nöbetçi" guards inside the CHP to preserve organisational continuity and parliamentary presence while the new party forms. The move is framed as an operational measure to prevent an immediate vacancy in voting blocks and committee memberships during the split.

Officials said the announcement drew all attention to CHP headquarters and set a short timetable for organisational decisions. The choice to keep designated MPs at the party is likely intended to protect procedural privileges tied to seat counts, including speaking time and committee representation.

Officials said the development could alter opposition coordination ahead of upcoming votes and public messaging, even if numerical change in the assembly is gradual. Observers should watch resignations, formal party registration steps and any shifts in parliamentary group leadership.

Officials said the founding is expected within days; expect a formal launch by July 30, 2026.