Özel was removed in May as leader of the main opposition party, CHP, and said in his farewell speech that Turkey was facing a “historic choice” and that his party colleagues should follow him to the new party, which is believed to be called Yeni Parti (New Party).
"We come with a never-ending hope for a new beginning," he told the CHP parliamentary group.
According to Turkish political analysts, at least 83 of the 135 CHP parliamentarians are believed to be joining the new party.
Özel lost power within the CHP after a court ruling that is considered politically motivated. Hundreds of CHP politicians have been arrested in recent years, including Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, on charges of corruption and other offenses. According to AFP, 27 mayors are currently in prison.
