CHP pushes to expel Muğla mayor over alleged ties to breakaway YP

A growing conflict between Turkey's main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the splinter New Party (YP) has come to a head in the southwestern city of Muğla. CHP officials allege that Mayor Ahmet Aras, formerly the mayor of Bodrum, temporarily transferred his duties to a YP municipal assembly member while visiting Syria and has since ceased communication with the local CHP branch. Aziz Gürsoy, who chairs the provincial disciplinary board, argued that Aras no longer has any legitimate ties to the party and should be expelled without delay.

The feud traces back to July, when former CHP chair Özgür Özel was ousted by a court over vote-buying accusations and subsequently created YP, drawing support from many CHP lawmakers. Under the reinstated leadership of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the CHP has launched a “cleansing” drive, removing members accused of corruption, while some mayors have left the party to sit as independents, keeping the door open for a shift to YP. The disciplinary process can only advance to the High Disciplinary Board if the party assembly requests it.