WITH VOTES SLIPPING, ERDOĞAN TURNS TO PENSIONERS EARLY
Losing votes over the fund scandal and shaken almost daily as new figures with party links are exposed, the AKP government launched its election campaign early.
Analysis
In-Depth Analysis
Smart, independent reporting on Turkey's politics, economy and foreign affairs.
BARS BUILT FOR THE GOVERNMENT, LOST BY THE GOVERNMENT
At Ankara Bar Association No. 2, President Gökhan Ağdemir withdrew his candidacy for reelection after boasting that his bar had helped 70 of its members become judges and prosecutors. At Istanbul Bar Association No. 2, the candidate backed by AKP and MHP groups lost the presidency by six votes.
CEMİL TUGAY’S SWITCH TO THE AKP AND THE SPOUSAL FACTOR
Izmir Metropolitan Mayor Cemil Tugay’s decision to join the AKP caused a major stir, bitter disappointment, and protests. After all, Izmir has long been regarded as a stronghold of left-wing politics. In fact, the city can be analyzed as “a city with center-right leanings that consistently votes for left-wing social democrats because of its opposition to the AKP.”
ERDOĞAN REMARKS CAUSE ELECTION RUMORS BUT IT REMAINS UNLIKELY
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s remarks during a meeting in his hometown of Rize sparked debate over an early election, though officials quickly downplayed the likelihood of an imminent vote.
PRO-GOVERNMENT YENİ ŞAFAK DEVOTES FULL FRONT PAGE TO BLASTING MEHMET ŞİMŞEK
The pro-government newspaper Yeni Şafak devoted its entire front page on Sept. 9 to a scathing critique of Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek and his policies, urging immediate shifts including tax overhauls and fuel subsidies.
ÖZEL SHAKES KILIÇDAROĞLU'S HAND — AND FACES BACKLASH
Yeni Party Chair Özgür Özel defended his decision to shake hands with Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the CHP chair reinstated by court order, twice in a week, after facing criticism from his voters.
FRAMEWORK LAW PASSES, ATTENTION SHIFTS TO NEW CONSTITUTION
Following the framework law's acceptance by a high vote of 467 in parliament — legislation expected to end a half-century-long conflict in relation to the Kurdish issue— now eyes are on the next steps the government will take.
ETIMESGUT VOTE MARKS FIRST CHP-PEOPLE'S ALLIANCE COOPERATION
The first cooperation between members of the CHP and the People's Alliance took place in Ankara's Etimesgut municipal elections.
467 VOTES: A DRESS REHEARSAL FOR A NEW CONSTITUTION?
Debate is underway over how the political balance will shift after the “Framework Law,” which establishes the legal basis for the PKK’s disarmament process, passed the 600-seat parliament with a record 467 votes. The overwhelming support for the law is expected to whet the government’s long-standing appetite for a “new constitution.” But is that possible before the general election, now 20 months away if held on schedule?
İYİ PARTY’S NEW COURSE UNDER MÜSAVAT DERVİŞOĞLU
The İYİ Party was the only party to vote as a bloc against the framework law on the Kurdish peace process. Its instincts on the nationalist right are already well known. But before turning to the party, it is worth dwelling for a moment on its chair. Let us begin with his name: Müsavat.
GIMME A BREAK
Parliament breaks for recess, framework law tucked in its wake, Yeni Party supporters divided over the vote it made.
Let’s Get the Party Started!
Özel finally finds his new party, calls it a shirt of fire, CHP self-divides again, imagining its votes will go higher.