With Turkey's political future hanging in the balance, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urges politicians not to allow egos to get in the way of forming a government.
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged the country’s political leaders not to allow personalities to get in the way of forming a government.
“So, all parties should put their egos aside and form a new government – within the constitutional process – as soon as possible. This process should continue with an understanding that it is a must for the state,” he said.
For the first time since 2002, the AK Party, founded by the president, has failed to win an overall majority in a general election.
It says it’s open to all options for a coalition. But, although a coalition seems likely, Prime Minister and leader of the AKP Ahmet Davutoglu says historically this type of government has not worked for Turkey.
And not everyone is open to a partnership with the ruling party.
Preparing to enter parliament for the first time, the pro-Kurdish HDP says it is open to a coalition with any group except the AKP.
Co-chair of the party Selahattin Demirtas confirmed the party’s stance: “We will not make any comment before seeing all coalition opportunities. But, regarding a coalition with the AKP, we stand behind our words. I’m talking about other options.”
Political scientist Ilter Turan told euronews the most practical option for the AKP would be to join forces with the CHP – its main political rival. The party’s former leader is touted to become the next parliamentary speaker.
However, Turan says the nationalist MHP would be a more ideologically-suited partner.