MHP shuts doors on a coalition with all parties
As some political analysts, public surveys, and political risk consultancies such as the Eurasia Group are predicting a coalition between the conservative Justice and Development Party (AK Party) and the right-wing Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) as the most likely scenario, MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli met with members of the press and ruled out a coalition with all political parties. Bahçeli said that an AK Party-Republican People's Party (CHP) coalition is more likely and added that it would be appropriate for those who aim to sustain the reconciliation process.
CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu had offered Bahçeli the position of prime minister in a coalition government that would be formed with the help of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), but in response Bahçeli called Kılıçdaroğlu's offer frivolous and likened it to "extending a candy apple." Though Bahçeli holds a strict stance against the CHP and the HDP, deputies from the MHP have made various remarks signaling a coalition with the AK Party. MHP Group Deputy Chairman Yusuf Halaçoğlu said: "If the AK Party wants to form a coalition with us, of course we will negotiate with them." Additionally, MHP Vice Chairman Mevlüt Karakaya also hinted at an AK Party-MHP coalition, saying that there can be no coalition government without the AK Party.
In recent statements made to the media, Bahçeli indicated that the public has given the MHP the position of being the main opposition rather than forming a coalition. He further said that in the case of interim Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu coming to him in efforts to form a coalition, he would tell Davutoglu to form a government without the MHP. He also said that the AK Party and MHP voters are complete opposites and thus an MHP-AK Party coalition is wrong.
Analysts see the nationalist MHP as the most likely coalition partner for the AK Party in the new Parliament, however MHP Chairman has not changed its stance since June elections toward a coalition. On June 7, Bahçeli spoke after the election results were clear and ruled out being part of a coalition.
Bahçeli said: "The MHP is ready to be a main opposition party to a possible AK Party-CHP-HDP coalition."
"Snap elections will happen whenever they will happen," he added.
CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu had offered Bahçeli the position of prime minister in a coalition government that would be formed with the help of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), but in response Bahçeli called Kılıçdaroğlu's offer frivolous and likened it to "extending a candy apple." Though Bahçeli holds a strict stance against the CHP and the HDP, deputies from the MHP have made various remarks signaling a coalition with the AK Party. MHP Group Deputy Chairman Yusuf Halaçoğlu said: "If the AK Party wants to form a coalition with us, of course we will negotiate with them." Additionally, MHP Vice Chairman Mevlüt Karakaya also hinted at an AK Party-MHP coalition, saying that there can be no coalition government without the AK Party.
In recent statements made to the media, Bahçeli indicated that the public has given the MHP the position of being the main opposition rather than forming a coalition. He further said that in the case of interim Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu coming to him in efforts to form a coalition, he would tell Davutoglu to form a government without the MHP. He also said that the AK Party and MHP voters are complete opposites and thus an MHP-AK Party coalition is wrong.
Analysts see the nationalist MHP as the most likely coalition partner for the AK Party in the new Parliament, however MHP Chairman has not changed its stance since June elections toward a coalition. On June 7, Bahçeli spoke after the election results were clear and ruled out being part of a coalition.
Bahçeli said: "The MHP is ready to be a main opposition party to a possible AK Party-CHP-HDP coalition."
"Snap elections will happen whenever they will happen," he added.
Last Update: June 28, 2015 22:03