Turkey’s New Party: 91 Founders Announced, Ex-Opposition Leader Accused of Creating ‘New Ruling Party’

ISTANBUL — Turkey’s political landscape shifted Tuesday as the newly formed YENİ Parti announced its 91 founding members. The party’s founding board member, Mahmut Tanal, stated, “This is not a second CHP. It is a party that will embrace everyone who stands for rights and justice.” The announcement has sparked immediate controversy. Critics, including former opposition leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, have accused the ruling AKP of engineering the new party to split the opposition vote. “The AKP has created a new ruling party,” Kılıçdaroğlu claimed. YENİ Parti positions itself as an inclusive alternative, rejecting comparisons to the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). Tanal emphasized the party’s commitment to legal principles and broad appeal. Political analysts note the timing is critical, as Turkey prepares for upcoming local elections. The new party’s formation could fragment the opposition bloc, potentially benefiting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s AKP.