Rumors swirl in Turkey as former presidential candidate reportedly seeks to form new political party
Muharrem Ince, a former presidential candidate for Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), reportedly expressed interest in establishing a breakaway party, fueling rumors analysts say might serve as a trial balloon for future political maneuvers.
ISTANBUL — Turkish media was abuzz with rumors on Aug. 4 that Muharrem Ince, a former presidential candidate and member of Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), is seeking to establish his own breakaway party following disagreements with CHP leadership.
The news was initially reported Aug. 1 by the pro-government Hurriyet newspaper, which described Ince as frustrated with his minor role in CHP politics following a failed presidential bid in the 2018 elections. The next day, Ince said in a tweet he did not speak with any news outlet and he would explain himself after he made a decision “that I believe is right for my country.”
Then on Aug. 4, Saygi Ozturk, a reporter with the opposition paper, Sozcu, published an interview with an Ince aide who said the politician would leave the CHP and form a new party before the end of the year.
“Our party will have individuals who are experts in their fields, and their presence will excite everyone,” Ince allegedly told Sozcu through the unnamed aide.
