Ekrem Imamoglu has ended his 17-year membership of the Republican People’s Party as Turkey’s opposition undergoes a significant political realignment. He will now join the New Party founded by Ozgur Ozel, which has become the country’s second-largest parliamentary force.
Departure announced from prison
Imamoglu, who is being held in Silivri Prison, announced his resignation through the social media account of his Presidential Candidate’s Office.
He said the decision reflected the values he holds for Turkey’s future and his responsibility towards the country’s citizens.
“Today, we are opening a new path,” Imamoglu added.
Reuters reported that he had also decided to join Ozel’s new political grouping.
New party emerges from CHP crisis
The New Party was founded on 24 July following a deep internal crisis within the CHP. Ozel left the party alongside dozens of MPs, with the new formation immediately becoming the second-largest parliamentary force in Turkey.
Ozel has said the new political project will continue supporting Imamoglu as a principal challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and as a figure around whom the opposition can unite.
Imamoglu also called on citizens to take part in the new political movement, saying its aim was to build “a stronger, more democratic and more hopeful Turkey”.
Source: CNA
