Archive · 21 Jul 2026
Turkey's Ousted Opposition Leader Forms New Party
Ozgur Ozel, who was the leader of Turkey's main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), was removed from his position by a court.
The court said there were problems with the election that made him leader.
Now, Ozel is starting a new political party.
The government and the court say the decision was based on the law, but Ozel thinks it was because of politics.
Ozgur Ozel, the ousted leader of Turkey's main opposition party, announced he is forming a new party.
A Turkish court annulled the 2023 congress that elected Ozel as chairman, citing irregularities.
Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the former leader of the CHP, was reinstated as chairman.
The announcement comes amid a crackdown on President Tayyip Erdogan’s opponents.
Ozel's resignation and the formation of a new party highlight the political tensions in Turkey.
- Who
- Ozgur Ozel, former leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP)
- What
- Forming a new political party
- When
- July 21
- Where
- Ankara, Turkey
- Why
- After being ousted by a court decision annulling the 2023 congress election
Ozgur Ozel's Perspective
Government's Perspective
Legitimacy of Leadership
Ozgur Ozel's Perspective
Ozgur Ozel believes his election as chairman was legitimate and that the court's decision was politically motivated.
Government's Perspective
The government and the court argue that the election had irregularities and that the decision was based on legal grounds.
- Ousted Leader
- Ozgur Ozel
- Party
- Republican People’s Party (CHP)
- Current Chairman
- Kemal Kilicdaroglu
- Date of Announcement
- July 21
- Reason for Ousting
- Court-annulled 2023 congress due to irregularities