Turkey: Ekrem İmamoğlu joins new opposition party after imprisonment

The new party that İmamoğlu is joining had only recently been founded and describes itself as a gathering point for anti-Erdoğan forces. Names and program details were not fully elaborated in the available sources. Observers view the move as an attempt to unite the fragmented opposition and make it competitive for possible elections.

The new opposition party

İmamoğlu, who was considered a promising challenger to Erdoğan in the 2024 presidential election, was arrested in March 2025 on corruption and terrorism charges. Critics at home and abroad see the charges as politically motivated; the government denies this. The legal proceedings are ongoing.

With his move to the new party, İmamoğlu formally remains a central figure of the Turkish opposition, even though he cannot physically participate in election campaigns or party events. His supporters continue to see him as the hope for political change in Ankara.

Reactions and international observation

The CHP, in turn, faces the question of how to respond to the departure of one of its most prominent members. Özel had previously commented publicly on İmamoğlu's move, emphasizing that the party respects the personal decision of the Istanbul mayor. At the same time, the CHP is working to strengthen its own structures for future elections.

International observers and diplomatic circles are following the developments closely. Turkey is considered a NATO member and an important partner in the region; domestic political tensions regularly have an impact on foreign relations. The developments surrounding İmamoğlu are being closely monitored in Brussels, Washington, and Berlin.

Outlook on possible elections

For Erdoğan and the AKP, İmamoğlu's formal transfer means a new challenge in the opposition camp. Should the new party succeed in mobilizing the voters of the CHP and other opposition groups, the balance of power could shift in future elections. At the same time, İmamoğlu's imprisonment could also paralyze the new formation, as its figurehead is missing.

The coming weeks will show whether the new party receives formal registration and which other politicians will join İmamoğlu. What is certain is that Turkish domestic politics has entered a phase of heightened activity, in which personnel decisions and legal proceedings are closely intertwined.

Regardless of the outcome of the current proceedings, İmamoğlu is considered one of the country's best-known political figures. His transfer to a new party marks a rare move by an imprisoned politician and underscores the fragmented state of the Turkish opposition.