New Leader Of Democratic Turkey Party

AKSAM- Retired Ambassador Coskun Kirca writes on the new leader of the Democratic Turkey Party (DTP). A summary of his column is as follows:
There is an extreme abundance of political parties in Turkey. There are two main parties on the center-left of the political spectrum, namely the Democratic Left Party (DSP) and the Republican People’s Party (CHP). There are no important differences between the ideas of these two parties. One of the important results of globalization is that the similarities between leftist and rightist parties exceed their differences. Therefore, it is perfectly normal to see a decrease in the number of differences between left-of-centre parties. For example, Mrs. Piskinsut’s new party on the left can receive votes only if Prime Minister Ecevit withdraws from politics. As long as Ecevit leads the DSP his charisma for his party and voters will continue. This does not rule out a decrease in the number of votes for the DSP, but Ecevit’s charismatic influence may continue at the party’s core. There are two main parties on the center-right and they are the True Path Party (DYP) and the Motherland Party (ANAP). With the help of Mr. Bahceli, we can add the Nationalist Action Party (MHP) to their ranks. Nowadays a change in the leadership of the DTP is expected. With Mr. Mehmet Ali Bayar’s becoming the leader of the DTP, a new development will be seen on the right. It will be seen not because of a change in doctrines but rather because people are tired of ANAP and the DYP. With a fresh beginning, the DTP will bring a young leader to counter old and worn-out leaders. Therefore, this new movement can get votes from those who are dissatisfied with ANAP, the DYP, and the MHP and even from some who are displeased with the Felicity Party (SP) and the Justice and Development Party (AKP). Mr. Mehmet Ali Bayar is one of the ablest diplomats I have ever known. He knows Turkey and Turkish politics closely and is an honorable person with strong ethics. Therefore if Mr. Bayar becomes the new leader of the DTP, he would bring a breath of fresh of air into Turkish politics. However, other centre-right parties will try to benefit from their old affiliations. The leaderships of these parties have a special relationship with the supporters of their parties. Therefore they can often count on getting a number of votes in any election. Thus, a DTP led by Bayar may not get the total votes of those supporting the old Democrat Party. The success of the DTP will depend on the race between its getting these votes and the ability of the old parties to use their old affiliations.

SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION