01.06.2026 16:20
Imprisoned Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who characterized Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's administration, reinstated by court order at the helm of the CHP, as "political trusteeship" and declared that he does not recognize the party headquarters, has given a clear signal that a new political organization will be established if the will of the delegates under Özgür Özel's leadership is usurped.
The management change in CHP due to a court decision and the "dual leadership" crisis have led to a striking statement from Silivri Prison that will have an earthquake-like impact. Ekrem İmamoğlu, declaring that he does not recognize Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's administration, said, "If the law is violated, we will make a new path with the people," giving a clear signal that a new party and a mass "Democracy Front" will be established.
IS THIS THE BIRTH PAIN OF A NEW POLITICAL MOVEMENT?
The chaos in the Republican People's Party (CHP) following Özgür Özel's removal by a court ruling of "absolute nullity" and Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's return to the seat has turned into the birth pain of a new political movement. Ekrem İmamoğlu, detained in Silivri Prison, described the events as a "judicial coup" in an interview with T24 writer Murat Sabuncu and announced that if the current status quo continues, they will march to power with a new political organization model.
"WE WILL EITHER FIND A WAY OR MAKE A WAY!"
İmamoğlu responded to the question "Should the struggle continue within the CHP, or should a new party be founded?" with a clear manifesto that will be discussed for a long time in Turkish political history. Reminding that their legitimate leader is Özgür Özel, İmamoğlu declared that if the delegates' will is usurped, they will not hesitate to found a new political party, saying: "'We will either find a way or make a way.' That way is the CHP under the chairmanship of my comrade Sayın Özgür Özel, as mandated by the law, our delegates, and the will of the people. But if the law is violated, if the will of our delegates and the people is ignored, then every path we walk with the people is legitimate and strong. The opposition is not in crisis; Erdoğan is staging a coup against the opposition. With the language, spirit, and will of the people, we will make that path and run to power."
CODE OF THE NEW MOVEMENT: NOT LEADER-CENTERED...
İmamoğlu also provided clues about the vision of the possible new party and movement, emphasizing that the structure to be established will not be just a leader movement but a massive "Democracy Front" encompassing all colors of Turkey: "All democrats in Turkey need to unite. A path covering Turkey’s east-west, north-south, rural and urban areas is necessary. The people show the way, parties draw the path, leaders walk the path. A movement with a cadre that draws its power from the people, responds to Turkey’s needs, and walks with strong leadership can carry Turkey into the future. This is the essence of the 'change movement' we started with our President Sayın Özgür Özel."
"LET THEM LOOK AT THE EMPTY WALLS"
İmamoğlu described Kılıçdaroğlu's takeover of the party through court corridors as "political trusteeship" and "internal malicious trustee," also dismissing the current party headquarters. Stating that the new movement will sprout in the squares, İmamoğlu challenged the current administration: "The headquarters of the Republican People's Party is not that building until justice is served and the delegate's will is revealed. The new headquarters of CHP is now the squares where all our members carry their spirit and hearts. Now let them sit and look at the empty walls. Let them watch those who resist the coup."
"MAY 24 IS A MILESTONE, WE WILL WIN WITH THE WHITE-SHIRTED"
İmamoğlu named the political fracture as the "May 24 Milestone," stating that those who remain silent about the suffocation of the political field by court decision and those who stand in the democracy front have now completely separated. İmamoğlu concluded his interview by emphasizing his faith in the new era: "Those who set out on the road with their white shirts despite all the pressures took steps for a free Turkey under downpour rain and hail in May. We will move forward united with all democrats of Turkey, we will win, and we will bring change to our people."