CHP leader Ozgur Ozel rules out 2028 presidential bid, signals new direction for Party

Ozgur Ozel, the newly appointed leader of Turkiye’s Republican People’s Party (CHP), has officially ruled out a run for the presidency in the 2028 elections. Ozel, who took over the party leadership in October 2023 following the resignation of long-time leader, Kemal Kılıcdaroglu, made the announcement in a press conference today, emphasizing his focus on strengthening the party and preparing it for the future.

Ozel, 49, has been a prominent figure in Turkish politics, serving as the CHP’s parliamentary group leader since 2015 before becoming the party leader. His decision to not pursue the presidency is seen as a strategic move, allowing the party to explore other potential candidates who may have a stronger appeal to a broader electorate.

“We have a responsibility to present the strongest possible candidate in 2028,” Ozel said. “My focus will be on leading the CHP to become a more inclusive, forward-looking party that can win the trust of all Turkish citizens. Running for the presidency is not part of that plan for me.”

Under Ozel’s leadership, the CHP has been working to recover from its underwhelming performance in the 2023 general elections, where it garnered 26.1 per cent of the vote, a modest increase from the 25.6 per cent it achieved in the 2018 elections. Despite the slight gain, the party was unable to significantly challenge the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), which won 40.4 per cent of the vote and retained control of the government.

Ozel’s announcement comes at a time when the CHP is undergoing significant internal restructuring, aiming to attract younger voters and more diverse segments of the population. With over 11 million votes in the last election, the Party is the second-largest in Turkiye but has struggled to expand its base beyond its traditional strongholds.

With Ozel out of the running, attention now turns to potential candidates who could represent the CHP in the 2028 presidential race. Speculation is rife about the possible candidacies of Ekrem İmamoglu, the Mayor of Istanbul, and Mansur Yavas, the Mayor of Ankara, both of whom have strong support within the party and among the public.

Ekrem İmamoglu, 54, who secured a landslide victory in Istanbul’s 2019 mayoral election, is widely viewed as a charismatic leader with the potential to unify the opposition. Mansur Yavas, 59, known for his effective governance in Ankara, is also a popular figure and is considered a strong contender.

Ozel emphasized that the next few years will be critical for the CHP as it prepares for both the 2027 parliamentary elections and the 2028 presidential race. “Our goal is to build a broad coalition that can deliver change for Turkiye,” he said. “We need to focus on policies that resonate with the people, and that means being open to new ideas and new leadership.”

The decision not to pursue a presidential run is expected to allow Ozel to focus on strengthening the Party’s internal dynamics, policy development and electoral strategy, all of which will be crucial as Turkiye approaches a pivotal period in its political history.

With Ozgur Ozel choosing to remain in his role as Party leader rather than seeking the presidency, the CHP will now look to identify a candidate who can challenge the dominance of the AKP in 2028. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the Party’s ability to adapt and present a compelling alternative to the current government will be key to its success in the upcoming elections.

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