Ekrem Imamoglu and his wife announce their departure from the opposition CHP

Jailed former Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has announced his departure from the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), of which he had been a member for 17 years.

This was stated in a statement published on his official account: "This decision is the result of responsibility to our values and our people. Today we are opening a new path toward building a stronger and more democratic Turkey."

Following him, his wife Dilek Imamoglu also announced her departure from the party, emphasizing that this step is for her "not an abandonment of principles, but a way to preserve them."

The party called the former mayor's decision "belated but predictable," noting that Imamoglu was able to build a political career and lead Istanbul solely thanks to the party's support.

Source: Sabah