Dozens of mayors eye move to Özel’s New Party
Dozens of mayors are expected to join Türkiye’s emergent main opposition New Party following a historic split from the Republican People’s Party (CHP), as the new movement seeks to expand its local government presence.
Although no formal party switches have been announced yet, mayors from Çanakkale, Manisa, Denizli, Kastamonu, Artvin, Bilecik and Kırşehir have publicly expressed support for or signaled plans to join the party formed by ousted CHP leader Özgür Özel.
İzmir Mayor Cemil Tugay previously resigned from the CHP and said he would continue his duties as an independent. In the country’s third-largest city, most of the 28 district municipalities run by the CHP are also expected to join the New Party, according to reports.
The expected transfers follow Özel’s departure from the CHP on July 24 along with 90 lawmakers to establish the New Party, dealing a major blow to Türkiye’s oldest political party and reshaping the balance of power in parliament.
