Fuss in the corner: Türkiye’s CHP, YP at odds in close quarters
In Turkey, tensions remain high between the Republican People's Party (CHP) and the newly formed New Party (YP), despite the latter overtaking the CHP as the main opposition. The YP was founded by Özgür Özel, former CHP leader, who left the party under contentious circumstances. Now, both parties' leaders, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu of the CHP and Özel of the YP, are engaged in ongoing disputes over parliamentary office allocations. Recent decisions allow Özel to retain his previous office, while the CHP has been assigned spaces previously used by YP members. This proximity could lead to direct encounters between the two leaders during upcoming events, such as a commemoration in Hacıbektaş, a region historically aligned with the CHP and its Alevi supporters. Kılıçdaroğlu, an Alevi, had strong ties to the area but appears to have lost influence there following his 2023 presidential election loss and internal party conflicts.
Türkiye’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) faces mounting pressure from the opposition as tensions between the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the newly formed New Party (YP) escalate. The YP, led by former CHP chair Özgür Özel, has emerged as the dominant force among Turkey’s opposition parties, displacing the CHP from its longtime position as the primary challenger to the government. Despite this shift, the relationship between the two parties remains fraught, marked by ongoing disputes over office space, political influence, and personal animosity. The conflict reached a new level as the CHP, under the leadership of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, attempted to reclaim control over certain parliamentary spaces once held by Özel. After Özel was expelled from the CHP in May following a contentious court order, he established the YP with several lawmakers who had previously served in the CHP. Despite his departure, Özel continues to occupy the office traditionally reserved for CHP chairmen, a move that has drawn criticism from the current CHP leadership. The CHP has responded by allocating alternative offices to some of its members, including Gökhan Günaydın, while allowing YP deputies such as Ali Mahir Başarır and Murat Emir to retain their previous assignments. Parliament’s administrative body recently ruled that Özel could remain in his office, effectively granting him continued access to the symbolic space associated with his former role. This decision has further complicated the already tense dynamic between the two parties. The YP’s leadership, however, appears to have secured additional advantages through the reallocation of physical spaces within the legislative building. Under the new arrangement, Kılıçdaroğlu’s office is positioned directly across from that of Murat Emir, a prominent figure within the YP. This proximity raises questions about how the two leaders will interact, particularly given their history of public confrontations. The upcoming event in Hacıbektaş, a town known for its deep ties to the Alevi community and a stronghold of the CHP, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The gathering will commemorate Hacı Bektaş Veli, a revered 13th-century Sufi mystic whose teachings resonate strongly with Alevis. Kılıçdaroğlu, an Alevi himself, has historically played a central role in such events, drawing large crowds and reinforcing his connection to the region. However, recent developments suggest a growing rift between him and the local authorities. In June, the municipality stripped Kılıçdaroğlu’s name from a local cultural center, marking a clear shift in support. He was also excluded from the 2025 celebrations, just one year after delivering a controversial speech that hinted at internal betrayal within the party following his loss in the 2023 CHP leadership contest. Meanwhile, Özel has confirmed his participation in the Hacıbektaş event, positioning himself as a potential rival to Kılıçdaroğlu’s traditional dominance in the area. His presence at the gathering could signal a broader effort to consolidate influence among the Alevi electorate, a demographic that has long been a critical base for the CHP. As the event approaches, the tension between the two leaders, and the larger factions they represent, remains palpable, setting the stage for further clashes both inside and outside the parliamentary halls.
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