23.10.2026 00:11
The New Party won its first municipality in Istanbul. Kadıköy Mayor Mesut Kösedağı, who was referred to disciplinary proceedings by CHP with a request for definitive expulsion, announced that he has joined the New Party.
Kadıköy Mayor Mesut Kösedağı, who was referred to discipline by the CHP with a request for definitive expulsion, announced that he parted ways with his party and joined the New Party. Kösedağı, stating that he continued his field work, said that they made this decision together with the vast majority of council members.
KADIKÖY SWITCHES TO THE NEW PARTY With this step by Kösedağı, the New Party has gained its first municipality in Istanbul. After the switch, which resonated widely in political circles, it became a matter of curiosity how the local government balances and district politics in Kadıköy will take shape.
Kadıköy Mayor Mesut Kösedağı On the other hand, in a statement on his social media account, Kösedağı said the following: ""Dear Kadıköy residents, as you know, last month I was referred to the disciplinary board by the Republican People's Party, of which I have been a member for 23 years, with a request for definitive expulsion. During this past one-month period, the feedback I received from you in the field was very valuable to me. Every time I went to every neighborhood, every street, I talked with you and listened to you. After this one-month period, I have now made a decision together with you. I would like to inform you that I am joining my future political journey in the ranks of the New Party under the leadership of our Chairman, Mr. Özgür Özel."
MESUT KÖSEDAĞI MADE THE TRANSITION TOGETHER WITH 30 COUNCIL MEMBERS Emphasizing that the decision was taken jointly with the majority in the municipal council, Kösedağı concluded his words by saying, "We made this decision together with 30 of our 36 council members. From now on, we will continue to work together with you for our Kadıköy under the roof of the New Party. May all our paths be open."
Kösedağı had been referred to discipline with a request for definitive expulsion and with precautionary measures by the CHP on September 30, 2026, together with Sancaktepe Mayor Alper Yeğin and Sarıyer Mayor Mustafa Oktay Aksu.