Story perspectives

Imamoglu Quits CHP for Özgür Özel’s New Party

8/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ekrem Imamoglu announced on Aug 13, 2026 he is leaving the CHP for the New Party.
Resignation followed an order that removed the CHP’s leadership, ending his 17-year tenure.
The New Party, launched last month by Özgür Özel and 90 lawmakers, is now parliament’s second-largest.
Opposition groups say Imamoglu’s detention pending a corruption trial he denies is a motivated crackdown that could help President Tayyip Erdogan extend 23-year rule before 2028 elections.

1 of 1

Story summary

Ekrem Imamoglu announced on Aug 13, 2026 he is leaving the CHP for the New Party.
Resignation followed an order that removed the CHP’s leadership, ending his 17-year tenure.
The New Party, launched last month by Özgür Özel and 90 lawmakers, is now parliament’s second-largest.
Opposition groups say Imamoglu’s detention pending a corruption trial he denies is a motivated crackdown that could help President Tayyip Erdogan extend 23-year rule before 2028 elections.