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Turkey: CHP Officials Resign En Masse to Join New Party
🇹🇷 Turkey /Elections & Politics

Turkey: CHP Officials Resign En Masse to Join New Party

From Cumhuriyet · () Turkish

Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Several local officials from Turkey's main opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), have resigned to join a new party.
  • Kemalpaşa Mayor Mehmet Türkmen and Güzelbahçe Deputy Mayor Ayşe Akın were among those who left, citing a desire for change and a need to strengthen democracy and justice.
  • The resignations signal internal shifts within the CHP and a potential realignment of political forces in Turkey.

In Kemalpaşa, Turkey, the district chairman of the Republican People's Party (CHP), the mayor, and party management have resigned, announcing their move to the Yeni Parti (New Party) through a press conference.

Our Chairman Özgür Özel continues his struggle with determination despite all pressures. A new political process has begun with the strong support seen across Turkey, and our struggle continues.

— Mehmet TürkmenKemalpaşa Mayor Mehmet Türkmen explaining the reasons for the resignation and move to a new party.

Kemalpaşa Mayor Mehmet Türkmen stated that the recent success in local elections reflects the public's desire for change, which he believes is the reason for current pressures. "We must work harder in unity and without marginalizing anyone," he said. "Our Chairman Özgür Özel continues his struggle with determination despite all pressures. A new political process has begun with the strong support seen across Turkey, and our struggle continues." Türkmen expressed sadness over leaving the party but believes the decision will yield positive outcomes for the country, aiming to strengthen democracy, justice, and freedom to achieve power in the next election.

We believe it is more appropriate to look to the future by thanking those who worked hard, rather than dwelling on past grievances.

— Ayşe AkınGüzelbahçe Deputy Mayor Ayşe Akın reading a statement on behalf of the resigning group.

Similarly, in Güzelbahçe, Deputy Mayor Ayşe Akın, along with 10 municipal council members and former CHP executives, resigned from the CHP to join the Yeni Parti. Akın read a statement emphasizing that the move is not about denying the past but about articulating future aspirations. "We believe it is more appropriate to look to the future by thanking those who worked hard, rather than dwelling on past grievances," she said. Akın noted that while paths in politics can change, the commitment to serving the public, honesty, and conscience must remain constant. "We are not slamming a door in anger today. We are opening a new door to hope together. Because we believe that politics is done for the country, not for positions."

We are not slamming a door in anger today. We are opening a new door to hope together. Because we believe that politics is done for the country, not for positions.

— Ayşe AkınGüzelbahçe Deputy Mayor Ayşe Akın explaining the group's motivation for joining the Yeni Parti.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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