Turkey’s opposition CHP unveils democratic reform package as İmamoğlu launches presidential bid

ANKARA / ISTANBUL — Turkey’s main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), led by Özgür Özel, has introduced a comprehensive 20-point reform package aimed at bolstering democracy and addressing pressing political challenges in the country. This initiative represents a notable development in the ongoing dialogue around democratic reforms in Turkey.

The reform package proposes several key measures, including the abolition of the government-appointed trustee system [in which elected officials are deposed and replaced] in local administrations, establishment of a parliamentary commission to address the Kurdish issue, the release of elderly and seriously ill prisoners, ensuring the independence of human rights institutions, and the removal of legal restrictions on press freedom and political opposition. These reforms underscore the party’s commitment to expanding political rights and countering what it describes as growing authoritarianism under the current government.

The draft plan, prepared under the guidance of a CHP deputy chair, underwent extensive internal deliberations before reaching its final form. It is expected to be presented to the party’s Central Executive Committee for formal approval in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has officially launched his campaign for the CHP’s presidential primary, positioning himself as a key contender in the race to challenge President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Despite facing ongoing legal challenges and political pressure, İmamoğlu remains resolute, framing his campaign as a democratic response to Erdoğan’s two-decade-long rule.

Addressing a crowd of supporters during his campaign launch, İmamoğlu delivered a bold statement: “I will not be intimidated. The Erdoğan era is over.” His declaration signals the opposition’s determination to redefine Turkey’s political future.

With the CHP’s reform package and İmamoğlu’s leadership bid, Turkey’s opposition is taking decisive steps to reshape the nation’s political landscape ahead of the next elections, signaling a robust challenge to the status quo.

The CHP is Turkey’s oldest political party and was founded by Kemal Ataturk in 1923. It ruled Turkey for most of the twentieth century but was ousted from the center of power by incumbent President Tayyib Erdogan in the 2000s.