Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is facing a potential political challenge from a newly formed opposition party led by Özgür Özel, the former leader of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). Özel was removed from his position in May through a court order, a move his supporters and some political analysts have described as politically motivated. The new party, whose name has not yet been announced, aims to consolidate Turkey’s divided opposition ahead of the next presidential election scheduled for 2028.

Recent opinion polls indicate that Özel’s emerging party could surpass Erdoğan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) if an election were held today, reflecting significant shifts in voter sentiment and dissatisfaction among certain segments of the electorate. These developments come at a time when Turkey's political environment remains tense, with growing concerns over the government's treatment of opposition figures.

Özel faces the possibility of legal action under Turkey’s broader crackdown on critics and political opponents. Turkish authorities have intensified legal proceedings and prosecutions targeting various opposition leaders and activists, which critics argue are aimed at weakening dissenting voices.

The challenge posed by Özel’s new party highlights ongoing fractures within Turkey’s political landscape, with opposition groups seeking to overcome internal divisions to present a united front against Erdoğan’s long-standing administration. The situation continues to evolve as Erdoğan’s government navigates both domestic challenges and increasing international scrutiny.