Chances for early polls increase as CHP seeks alternating PM for coalition deal


Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu's efforts to form a viable coalition government seems to have hit a brick wall with opposition parties either completely opposed or asking too much in exchange for a deal. According to reports, the Republican People's Party (CHP) has prepared a list of preconditions, including Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu serving as a prime minister for a period before it reverts to Davutoğlu. The party also asked for top cabinet posts, including foreign, interior affairs, education, finance and labor portfolios, for agreeing to form a coalition government with the Justice and Development Party (AK Party). With the AK Party unlikely to agree to such a deal, which many see as a CHP attempt to portray itself as an amenable interlocutor, and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leadership ruling out any sort of coalition deal with any party, the only option that remains is to call early elections. Davutoğlu is expected to receive the authority to conduct coalition negotiations after the election of the parliamentary speaker.The Republican People's Party (CHP) has reportedly finalized its principle lists, including 14 articles, to form a coalition with the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) as interim Prime Minister Davutoğlu will begin his tour to negotiate with parties over an alliance once he is assigned the task by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.According to the list, in a CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu prime ministry, deputies from the CHP will be appointed to the Foreign, Interior, National Education, Labor and Social Security and Finance Ministries. The party also asks for an active share in critical state agencies such as the National Intelligence Organization (MİT), Telecommunication Directorate (TİB), Information Technologies and Communications Authority (BTK) and the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK). The CHP added a condition of an alternate Prime Ministry as well, as the party stipulated the first run would be Kılıçdaroğlu.One of the priorities of the CHP during coalition talks is foreign policy, according to the list. Reportedly, the CHP will demand to see a name from the CHP in the Foreign Ministry in an attempt to better Turkey's Middle East and EU policies. The reason behind the CHP's demand of efficiency in the Justice and Interior Ministries is to change the structure of the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK).The CHP administration is eager to have a voice in the Labor and Social Security Ministry and Finance Ministry to realize the party's election promises on economic development.The partnership between the two political factions has thus far seemed highly unlikely due to deep contrasts in both ideology and principles, but some analysts have voiced positive views about the partnership, claiming such a structuring will bridge the divided segments of society. "It would not be proper for us to say 'no way' with prejudice before Davutoğlu is tasked with coming to us with his intention and conditions. Such an attitude would not suit if we consider the culture of compromise as an integral part of democracy. Thereby, Davutoğlu has to tell us on what grounds, thoughts and purposes he wants to form a coalition with us," Kılıçdaroğlu said.He also reiterated the 14 conditions of his party, which varies from digging corruption claims to a demand that the president remains within the boundaries of his constitutional powers. Speaking in an exclusive interview to a Turkish daily, Kılıçdaroğlu on Friday revealed that his party is open to forming a coalition with the AK Party, on condition that their 14 stipulations are served. He said the CHP and AK Party could reach a consensus within the framework of these conditions and vowed not to act vindictively while applying its de facto policies.