21.07.2026 18:20
Following CHP Group Chairman Özgür Özel's announcement of a new political party at the group meeting, a widespread wave of resignations has begun within the party. While it is claimed that thousands of members have resigned via e-Government on social media, departures are occurring consecutively at the levels of parliamentarians, mayors, and organization. The first resignation came from İzmir Deputy Murat Bakan, while Hekimhan Mayor Mehmet Şerif Yıldırım also ended his party membership.
Following the announcement by CHP Group Chairman Özgür Özel in his last group meeting that a new political party would be officially established, a widespread wave of resignations has begun across the party. According to claims on social media, thousands of party members have terminated their party membership via e-Government after the announcement, while reports of resignations have started to come in succession at the level of deputies, mayors, and organization.
THE FIRST TO RESIGN WAS MURAT BAKAN Following the developments, CHP Istanbul Deputy Cemal Enginyurt announced to the public after the group meeting that they would leave the party as deputies. The first clear step in the resignation process came from Izmir Deputy Murat Bakan. Bakan announced his departure from the party via a post on his social media account.
MAYOR ANNOUNCED VIA SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT There was also activity on the local government front. Malatya Hekimhan Mayor Mehmet Şerif Yıldırım announced that he had ended his party membership by sharing a photo of himself with Özgür Özel and Veli Ağbaba. In his post, Yıldırım stated, "I have resigned from my membership in the Republican People's Party and left. The path is great for everyone, may our way be clear, may our march lead to power!"
Yıldırım said, "In the coming days, we will be together with our friends with whom we started this journey and walked together. I believe that the good days ahead, the bright days will bring peace and happiness to the people of Turkey, to the Turkish nation."
"I RESIGNED WITH MY OWN FREE WILL" "I resigned and left with my justified reasons and my own free will. The most influential factor in this decision is the support from our friends with whom we walk together regarding our thoughts and our stance on this matter. A question might come to mind: 'Why did you make this decision?'
Today, very important developments are also happening in Turkish politics. We had already determined our stance on this path we started with our travel companions. Of course, this had an effect on my resignation.
In the coming days, we will be together with our friends with whom we started this journey and walked together. I believe that the good days ahead, the bright days will bring peace and happiness to the people of Turkey, to the Turkish nation. We will continue on our path, longing for those days. Let's hope for the best."
PROVINCIAL CHAIRMAN REMOVED BY KILIÇDAROĞLU RESIGNED VIA E-GOVERNMENT Meanwhile, resignation decisions also came from party organizations. CHP Konya Provincial Chairman Nejat Türktaş, who was previously removed from duty by CHP General Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaoğlu, announced his departure from the party, stating he would support the new movement. Türktaş terminated his party membership via e-government and said, "I have ended my membership in the Republican People's Party to take part in the new political movement to be established under the leadership of our General Chairman, Mr. Özgür Özel. Now it is time to grow a new struggle together."
In his message, Türktaş also stated, "Today, I have ended my membership in the Republican People's Party to take part in the new political movement to be established under the leadership of our General Chairman, Mr. Özgür Özel. Now it is time to grow a new struggle together. We would be proud to see you among us in this honorable march. Come, let us walk shoulder to shoulder on the path of our General Chairman, Mr. Özgür Özel."
A STRIKING MESSAGE FROM ALİ MAHİR BAŞARIR Meanwhile, Ali Mahir Başarır, who was referred to the disciplinary board for definitive expulsion, also published a statement on his social media account. Başarır said, "'EVERY END IS A NEW BEGINNING...' The end of this path is POWER! May our way be clear!" thus making his stance clear once again.