L'opposition principale de la Turquie se divise alors qu'Ozgur Ozel lance un nouveau parti

Turkey’s main opposition has fractured as Ozgur Ozel, once the head of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), announced plans to launch a new political party, marking a dramatic shift in the country’s political landscape. On Tuesday, Ozel declared that he and his allies would resign from the CHP and establish their own party, a move that signals a deepening rift within the opposition ahead of potential national elections. This decision comes amid a prolonged legal battle involving the CHP, which has seen its leadership challenged by judicial rulings perceived by many as politically driven. The split follows a May court ruling that invalidated the CHP’s 2023 leadership election, effectively removing Ozel from his position as party chairman and restoring former leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu to power. Ozel and his supporters argue that the ruling was politically motivated, aimed at undermining the CHP’s influence. In contrast, the Turkish government maintains that the judiciary operates independently and that the court’s actions were purely procedural. The ruling has intensified tensions within the opposition, with Ozel and his allies seeing it as part of a broader effort to weaken the CHP. Speaking to more than 80 CHP lawmakers in parliament, Ozel framed the departure as a necessary step rather than a defeat. “Today, we are on the brink of a sad farewell that has become inevitable,” he said, adding that the move represented a “new beginning.” He emphasized that the new party would be formed through direct democratic choice, with deputies selected by the public. Although the official name of the new party has yet to be revealed, reports suggest it may be called Yeni Parti, or New Party. A formal announcement is expected soon, possibly by the end of the week. Many CHP lawmakers are anticipated to follow Ozel into the new party, significantly altering the balance of power in the National Assembly. With 135 members currently representing the CHP in the 600-seat legislature, a large number of them are likely to defect, potentially giving the new party a commanding presence among the opposition. Ozel has stated that the new formation aims to become the primary opposition force in parliament, surpassing other parties in influence. The court’s intervention in the CHP leadership contest has sparked widespread concern about the independence of the judiciary. The ruling followed months of legal scrutiny against the CHP, particularly regarding corruption allegations tied to local governments under the party’s control. Dozens of officials and party members have been detained, with some facing charges that could lead to long-term imprisonment. Notable among those targeted is Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent critic of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and one of his most formidable political rivals. Imamoglu has been in custody since March last year and continues to face multiple legal proceedings. Analysts suggest that the growing instability within the opposition could bolster Erdogan’s position, especially if early elections are called before the scheduled 2028 vote. Despite the legal challenges, Ozel managed to lead the CHP to one of its strongest performances in recent years, defeating Erdogan’s coalition in the 2024 municipal elections. His leadership helped secure control over several cities, including key urban centers such as Istanbul and Ankara. As the situation unfolds, the implications for Turkey’s political future remain uncertain. The emergence of a new opposition party could reshape the dynamics of the upcoming legislative and executive races, though the outcome will depend on how the crisis develops in the coming weeks.