Is the option of a new party gaining strength in the CHP? Political and legal risks awaiting Özel are on the table

The discussions that began in the CHP following the absolute nullity ruling have brought the options before Özgür Özel and his team back to the agenda. It is stated that the new party formula, which Özel has described as a "disaster scenario" until now, is being evaluated more seriously due to the door to an extraordinary congress being closed and the ongoing expulsion and dismissal processes.

In party corridors, the end of July is being pointed to for a new formation.

It is reported that if no result is obtained from the Court of Cassation before the judicial recess begins on July 20, figures close to Özel are advocating for taking steps regarding a new party.

OPTIONS AND RISKS ON THE TABLE

The first option in the new party scenario is to reach an agreement with an existing party that has the eligibility to participate in elections.

While it is stated that the Özel wing denies allegations of contact with the DSP and the Genç Parti, it is expressed in the corridors that contacts with the Technology Development Party (TEK Parti), founded by Ahmet Özal and chaired by Süleyman Yağcıoğlu, are being discussed. Some deputies close to Özel are said to be arguing that a basis for agreement should be sought with the Democrat Party.

Another option is to establish a party from scratch against the possibility that the election will be held at the end of 2027 or at a later date. It is reported that this formula is being kept in reserve, especially against the possibility of a "snap election," and that sources close to Özel are assessing that "our options are ready."

Among the main reasons highlighted by the Özel wing in their search for a new party are the risk of the CHP losing its eligibility to participate in elections, the difficulty of engaging in politics under the current umbrella due to disciplinary processes, and the erosion of political support caused by internal party disputes.

"Let's say we submit the candidate lists, if one person applies to the YSK, and the YSK says 'The CHP has not held its congress and cannot enter the election,' we would effectively become politically banned."

It is stated that the CHP headquarters administration does not see a risk regarding eligibility to participate in elections, citing "force majeure." However, names close to Özel are of the opinion that an objection to be made to the YSK after the election calendar begins could render the candidate lists void.

There is also a large segment within the CHP that opposes the new party option. Some deputies and organization managers, pointing to the historical weight of the CHP founded by Atatürk, argue that the "103-year-old CHP brand" should not be abandoned. For this reason, it is not expected that all 111 deputies who signed for an extraordinary congress will move to the new party, and it is being discussed in the corridors that this number could be around 70.

One of the most critical topics of the process is the municipalities. It is assessed that the metropolitan mayors of Ankara, Mersin, and Adana could face a difficult choice in a possible split, and that if they move to the new party, divisions could occur in municipal councils. It is stated that this situation could complicate the mayors' management processes.

Another problem the new formation will face will be financing. A party that cannot benefit from the Treasury aid received by the CHP will need to find significant resources for both organization and the election campaign. Furthermore, the possibility that the immunity files of some deputies facing disciplinary processes could be brought to the agenda is also among the risks mentioned in CHP corridors.

News Source: 12punto