Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi
Republican People's Party
Social Democratic
Centre-Left
-
No affiliated group in the European Parliament
31.6
Current Standing
Change of +6.2 since last election
-0.8
3-Month Trend
-0.8 in the last 3 months
Conservative
Social
Market-oriented
Progressive
Anti-EU
Pro-EU
The CHP (Republican People's Party) is a Kemalist and social democratic political party in Turkey. As the nation's oldest party, it sees itself as the guardian of the secular republic and its Western alignment. However, due to its nationalist origins, it navigates a constant tension between its state-founding traditions and the demands for modern reform.
Values and Worldview
Values and Worldview
The CHP's foundational ideology is built upon the "Six Arrows" of Kemalism: Republicanism, Nationalism, Populism, Etatism, Laicism, and Revolutionism. Its worldview is deeply rooted in the strict separation of religion and state, alongside the concept of an indivisible nation. The party views the state as a pivotal force for societal modernization and ensuring social cohesion, advocating for a secular, Western-aligned humanistic perspective.
Policy Priorities
Policy Priorities
The CHP's agenda blends traditional social democratic principles with a strong pro-European stance. It advocates for social equity, the strengthening of the rule of law, and the safeguarding of freedom of expression. Its target demographic spans from urban professionals and intellectuals to blue-collar workers and secular communities. A key priority remains the restoration of a robust parliamentary system and alleviating economic burdens on lower-income segments.
Role in the Political System
Role in the Political System
As the leading opposition party, the CHP serves as a crucial counterweight to the religious-conservative bloc. It positions itself as the ultimate bulwark for rule-of-law institutions and the foundational democratic order. Strategically, it faces the challenge of reconciling its traditionally state-loyal, often elite-leaning base with a broader, more conservative electorate, without compromising its core secular principles for political gain.