12.08.2026 20:30
The crisis that began with Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu returning to the chairmanship of the CHP has turned into a major split within the party. After 91 deputies, led by Özgür Özel, left the CHP to found the NEW Party, numerous mayors and party officials also parted ways with the CHP. Following this political upheaval, Ekrem İmamoğlu, who was suspended from his post as the Mayor of Istanbul, also announced his resignation from the CHP. İmamoğlu said, 'I am resigning from my 17-year membership of the Republican People's Party.'
Ekrem Imamoglu, the suspended Mayor of Istanbul, announced that he has resigned from the Republican People's Party (CHP). In a statement made via the Presidential Candidate Office's social media account, Imamoglu announced that he was ending his 17-year CHP membership, saying, "Today, we are opening a NEW path to together build a stronger, more democratic, and more hopeful tomorrow for Turkey."
"I RESIGN FROM MY 17-YEAR CHP MEMBERSHIP"
In his statement, Imamoglu highlighted his 17 years in the CHP and noted that his decision was linked to the responsibility he bears regarding the country's future.
Imamoglu said, "Dear Citizens, Valued Comrades, I resign from my 17-year membership in the Republican People's Party."
"WE ARE OPENING A NEW PATH"
Following his resignation decision, Imamoglu pointed to a new political roadmap and made a striking call in his statement.
Imamoglu said, "Today, we are opening a NEW path to together build a stronger, more democratic, and more hopeful tomorrow for Turkey."
Imamoglu invited citizens and comrades to be part of this new march, stating, "I invite you to be a part of this march, to grow hope together, and to build the future together."
NEW POLITICAL MESSAGE FROM IMAMOGLU
Imamoglu's announcement of his resignation from the CHP was seen as a development that could open the door to a new era in Turkish politics. His emphasis on the phrase "We are opening a NEW path" in his statement particularly increased expectations regarding his next political move.
It is observed that in his previous statements, Imamoglu also emphasized a new political path and change for Turkey, with the themes of "new" and "setting out together" standing out in speeches published on his official website.
At the end of his statement, Imamoglu thanked the comrades with whom he had fought together until today, calling on them to "grow hope together and build the future together."