Striking behind-the-scenes details before the new party: Özgür Özel camp's plan for MPs and mayors revealed

It has been claimed that the internal party division in the CHP has moved to a new stage following the "absolute nullity" decision. According to behind-the-scenes information attributed to BBC Turkish, the Özgür Özel administration has prepared the establishment petition for the new party. The timing of the application to be made to the Ministry of Interior is expected to be clarified at the meeting to be held on July 22.

According to the BBC report, the Özel team is preparing to force the extraordinary congress process through the judiciary on one hand, while working on different options for a transition to a potential new party on the other. In this context, applying to the civil court of peace to appoint a call committee to the CHP and requesting a determination regarding the status of the Party Assembly is on the agenda.

SEARCH FOR A CALENDAR FOR THE NEW PARTY

Behind the scenes, it is stated that the view that the establishment of the new party should not be delayed any further is gaining weight. The approach of a staff member close to Özel at the meeting was conveyed with the words: "We are losing too much time now. The public has been supporting and following with excitement for a while. But if we do not move to the new phase, this excitement may fade away."

On the other hand, the possibility that the Court of Cassation could overturn the absolute nullity decision is also being included in the calculations. For this reason, it is stated that the option of not having all cadres move to the new party at the same time, and leaving a team in the party that could take over the CHP in the event of a possible reversal decision, is being considered.

MESSAGE ON THE CONGRESS CALENDAR

According to sources, Özel also shared at the meeting that he received a message of flexibility regarding the congress calendar from the Kılıçdaroğlu administration through a mayor. It is alleged that Özel responded to this message by saying that they could look favorably upon it, provided that the congress is held within two and a half to three months and that the provincial heads are not dismissed.

A figure in the Özel administration also commented to BBC Turkish: "We held an ordinary congress in three months. If Kılıçdaroğlu makes such a decision, I personally would say let's stay in the party and compete in the congress."

GRADUAL TRANSITION PLAN FOR MPS

If the new party is established, the goal is to complete the organization process rapidly. According to the staff, it is planned to complete the organization in two-thirds of the 81 provinces and in central districts within five days after the establishment. Focus group studies for the party's name and logo are also ongoing.

One of the most critical topics of the transition process is the path that the MPs will follow. It is aimed to protect commission memberships against the possibility of the government's new constitution initiative or immunity files coming to the Parliament's agenda. For this reason, it is foreseen that the MPs will move to the new party in a planned and gradual manner.

It is reported that estimates of 85 to 95 MPs who could move to the new party are being made, but no exact number is given. It is stated that the main goal is for the new formation to indisputably maintain its position as the main opposition in Parliament. According to the planning, Özgür Özel is expected to take the lead of the party after commission memberships are secured.

ELECTION AND MAYORAL SCENARIOS

Alternative formulas are also being evaluated against possible legal obstacles or the possibility of a snap election. It is stated that contacts are being maintained with parties that have the eligibility to enter elections, and in the most negative scenario, the option of entering the election from the IYI Party lists is also on the table.

Regarding mayors, a different path is planned to be followed. According to behind-the-scenes information, no pressure will be put on mayors to move to the new party; at the current stage, it is preferred that they remain under the CHP umbrella due to legal risks. However, it is stated that the door will be kept open for those who want to join the new party of their own volition.

CONTACTS WITH LEFT-WING PARTIES

It was reported that former CHP MP İlhan Cihaner also attended the meeting and gave a presentation on the contacts he has been conducting with the TİP, EMEP, and other left-wing parties. In these contacts, the assessment that the general tendency of left-wing parties is towards supporting Özgür Özel was shared.

News Source: 12punto