Full Breakdown
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu Joins New Party After Leaving CHP
8/13/2026, 10:02:55 PM
Imamoglu Joins New Party
On August 13, jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu announced that he was leaving the Republican People’s Party (CHP) after a court removed the party’s leadership and was joining the newly formed New Party. The New Party, created last month by opposition leader Özgür Özel and 90 breakaway lawmakers, is already the second-largest party in the Turkish parliament and is positioned to attract many former CHP voters.
Legal and Political Context
Imamoglu has been detained for more than a year on corruption charges that he denies. A prosecutor has demanded a prison sentence of more than 2,000 years for him, alleging that he led a vast corruption network costing the state billions of lira. His university diploma, a prerequisite for presidential candidates, was annulled by Istanbul University a day before his detention in March 2025. The legal crackdown that began in 2024 has seen hundreds of elected CHP officials jailed, prompting opposition figures and rights groups to label the actions “politically motivated and undemocratic.” The government, however, maintains that the judiciary operates independently.
Official Statement from Imamoglu
In a post on X, Imamoglu said his resignation from the CHP reflected his personal values and sense of responsibility toward Turkey’s future. He framed the move as the start of a “new path” aimed at building a stronger, more democratic, and hopeful Turkey, and invited citizens and comrades to join the new political march.
Reactions and Criticism
Opposition leaders and human-rights organizations have condemned the crackdown as an attempt to silence dissent and weaken the opposition’s ability to challenge President Tayyip Erdogan’s 23-year rule. The government has rejected these accusations, asserting that the judiciary remains independent and that the prosecutions are based on legitimate legal grounds.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am resigning from my 17-year membership of the Republican People's Party. This decision is a result of the values I believe regarding the future of our country and the responsibility I carry towards our people,” — Ekrem Imamoglu, jailed istanbul mayor
- “Dear Citizens, Valued Comrades, I resign from my 17-year membership in the Republican People's Party.” — Ekrem Imamoglu, jailed istanbul mayor
