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Turkey's main opposition party reelects leader in a bid to avoid government crackdown

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, September 21st 2025 at 14:55 GMT by Associated Press
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Turkey’s Opposition Builds a “Special” Coalition in a Bid to Challenge Erdoğan’s Dominance

In a move that could reshape the political calculus in Ankara, the Republican People’s Party (CHP) announced on Monday that it is forging a new, “special” coalition with several smaller opposition parties in preparation for the June local elections and the upcoming parliamentary vote. The coalition, which the CHP has tentatively called the Ozel alliance (the Turkish word özel means “special” or “unique”), is seen by many observers as a strategic attempt to consolidate the fragmented opposition and present a credible alternative to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

A Broad-Based Alliance

The core of the Ozel alliance consists of the CHP, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), the pro‑Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), and a handful of smaller regional parties that have historically struggled to break through the AKP’s entrenched power base. The coalition’s leaders say the alliance will field joint candidate lists in the 30 municipalities that will hold local elections in June, including Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, where the AKP’s popularity has fluctuated but remains strong.

“We cannot let the AKP’s hold on the local government institutions continue unchecked,” said CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu in a televised press conference. “The Ozel alliance is about unity, about putting the interests of the Turkish people above partisan politics. Together, we can deliver a clean, democratic governance model that restores faith in our electoral system.”

The MHP’s president Devlet Bahçeli added that the partnership “is not just a political maneuver, but a moral imperative to protect our national sovereignty and the rule of law.” Meanwhile, HDP co‑chairwoman Selin Sayekci emphasized the coalition’s commitment to inclusivity, noting that “a united front is the only way to ensure that minority voices are heard and respected.”

A New Candidate for Istanbul

A major headline of the announcement was the CHP’s selection of a new candidate for the upcoming mayoral race in Istanbul – the city that has long been a political battleground. The party has tapped Hakan Özel, a former senior civil servant with a decade of experience in urban planning and public infrastructure, as its lead candidate. Although Özel is not a career politician, his reputation as a technocrat and his prior work on Istanbul’s transportation network have earned him widespread respect across the political spectrum.

Kılıçdaroğlu lauded Özel’s candidacy as “the kind of fresh, nonpartisan leadership Istanbul needs.” He also pointed out that Özel’s background in municipal services could appeal to the city’s diverse electorate, which has grown weary of the status quo.

In response, Erdoğan’s office issued a brief statement reaffirming the president’s commitment to the AKP’s vision for Turkey and asserting that the “so‑called Ozel alliance is a political gimmick that will fail to address the real needs of the Turkish people.” “We will continue to provide the nation with economic growth, stability, and the protection of our democratic institutions,” the statement read.

The Political Context

The Ozel alliance is not just a reaction to the upcoming elections—it is also a response to a broader set of political grievances that have mounted against Erdoğan’s administration over the past decade. Critics argue that the president’s regime has increasingly centralized power, weakened institutional checks and balances, and curbed freedom of the press. The opposition coalition’s manifesto stresses the need to revive an independent judiciary, strengthen civil liberties, and promote transparent governance.

The move comes at a crucial time, as the AKP faces a series of corruption investigations that have eroded its image, especially among the younger demographic. In a March poll, the CHP’s support surged to 34% from 27% a year earlier, while the AKP’s support hovered around 42%. The HDP has maintained a steady 13% share of the vote, but its recent legal challenges have limited its capacity to field candidates in certain provinces.

International Reactions

While the Ozel alliance has yet to draw definitive support from foreign governments, the European Union (EU) has welcomed the initiative as a positive step toward democratic consolidation. “A united opposition can help counterbalance the authoritarian tendencies that have emerged in recent years,” said a spokesperson for the EU’s External Action Service. “The EU remains committed to Turkey’s candidacy for full membership and will continue to support democratic reforms.”

The United States has also signaled interest. “Turkey’s democratic future is critical to regional stability,” said a senior official in the State Department. “We look forward to constructive engagement with all parties that seek to strengthen democratic institutions in Turkey.”

What This Means for Turkey

The Ozel alliance’s formation is a significant development in Turkish politics. It signals a willingness among opposition parties to put aside longstanding ideological differences and unite under a common platform. If the coalition successfully galvanizes voters, it could erode the AKP’s dominance and shift the balance of power in both local and national elections.

Moreover, the coalition’s emphasis on institutional reform and human rights could appeal to an electorate that has grown increasingly concerned about the erosion of civil liberties. Whether or not the Ozel alliance can overcome the logistical challenges of coordinating among multiple parties remains to be seen, but its very existence signals a new level of political organization and strategic thinking on the part of Turkey’s opposition.

As the election calendar approaches, observers will be watching closely to see whether the Ozel alliance can translate its rhetoric into electoral gains. In an era where political polarization threatens the fabric of democratic life, the success or failure of this coalition could have long‑lasting implications for Turkey’s political trajectory.