New Party in Turkey: From Pharmacist to Leader of Turkish Opposition
Observers believe that around 80 of the 135 CHP MPs could defect to Özel’s new party – That would make her the biggest
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Summary
Observers believe that around 80 of the 135 CHP MPs could defect to Özel’s new party – This would make it the largest opposition party in the Turkish parliament. Opposition politician Özgür Özel climbs onto a water cannon and raises his fist: The scene from the Turkish capital Ankara in May has now become iconic and symbolic of resistance to the government under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. After the 2014 mining disaster in Soma, in which 301 miners died, he sharply criticized the government and campaigned for the clarification.
Furthermore, After the defeat of Kilicdaroglu in the presidential elections in 2023, he calls him in a battle vote for the CHP presidency – and won. This paid off: in 2024, the CHP became the country’s strongest party in the local elections. After the arrest of Erdogan’s most prominent rival, the former Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu in March 2025, Özel became more and more in the spotlight.
In addition, The next presidential elections are scheduled for 2028, but could be brought forward. Özel repeatedly emphasizes that he is not afraid of prison: “Who is afraid of iron, does not get on the train,” he said recently in response to a question from a citizen.
Cross-referenced from 3 sources.
Factual coreconfirmed by several independent voices
Observers believe that around 80 of the 135 CHP MPs could defect to Özel’s new party – This would make it the largest opposition party in the Turkish parliament.
reliability low1/3 sourcesOpposition politician Özgür Özel climbs onto a water cannon and raises his fist: The scene from the Turkish capital Ankara in May has now become iconic and symbolic of resistance to the government under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
reliability low1/3 sourcesAfter the 2014 mining disaster in Soma, in which 301 miners died, he sharply criticized the government and campaigned for the clarification.
reliability low1/3 sourcesAfter the defeat of Kilicdaroglu in the presidential elections in 2023, he calls him in a battle vote for the CHP presidency – and won.
reliability low1/3 sourcesThis paid off: in 2024, the CHP became the country’s strongest party in the local elections.
reliability low1/3 sourcesAfter the arrest of Erdogan’s most prominent rival, the former Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu in March 2025, Özel became more and more in the spotlight.
reliability low1/3 sourcesThe next presidential elections are scheduled for 2028, but could be brought forward.
reliability low1/3 sourcesÖzel repeatedly emphasizes that he is not afraid of prison: “Who is afraid of iron, does not get on the train,” he said recently in response to a question from a citizen.
reliability low1/3 sources
Disputedincompatible versions — to verify
No factual contradiction detected between sources.
Framing by sidesame fact, different words — loaded terms highlighted
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Sources3 sources cross-checked
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