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Ex-Istanbul mayor Imamoglu quits CHP

12 August 2026 23:30 (UTC +04:00)

Ekrem Imamoglu, the imprisoned former mayor of Istanbul, announced Wednesday that he has resigned from the Republican People's Party (CHP) after 17 years of membership, throwing his support behind the newly formed New Party led by Ozgur Ozel, APA reports citing Türkiye Today.

Imamoglu, who has been held at Silivri Prison, posted the announcement on social media, addressing "dear citizens" and "valued fellow travelers." He said the decision stemmed from values he holds "for the future of our country" and from a sense of responsibility toward the nation. He thanked those he had worked alongside during his time in the party.

"Today, we are opening a NEW path to build, together, a stronger, more democratic and more hopeful future for Türkiye," Imamoglu wrote, capitalizing the Turkish word for "new" — a direct nod to the name of the party he is now backing.