by OKAY GONENSIN
SABAH- Today Turkey’s main concern is, unfortunately, the health of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and whether or not he can continue his duties.
It is a reality that Ecevit’s serving as an effective PM under current conditions is getting difficult. This is quite normal. Civil servants, for instance, face mandatory retirement at age of 65.
However, Ecevit’s presence and positions have become quite important in Turkey’s polical life, which rests on sensitive balances. But no one can serve forever.
When Ecevit exits the political arena, there will be neither a gap nor chaos in Turkey’s political life. There is a example before us: 30 years ago, when Ecevit challenged then Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Ismet Inonu, many people had thought that the CHP would be wiped from the political stage. But the new CHP under Ecevit and his own staff became even stronger and a new hope for Turkey, before Ecevit founded the Democratic Left Party (DSP).
Foreign Minister Ismail Cem seems to be the person best suited to serve successfully in the government and in his party. He is a serious politician, and he generally enjoys the public’s sympathy and trust.
Ecevit’s convening a DSP congress and declaring Cem a candidate for DSP chairmanship, and State Minister for the Economy Kemal Dervis’ joining the party, are both possible and logical. This would be a simple and straightforward method for heading off altogether a number of tricks, as well as a first step and realistic formula for the renewal of Turkey’s social democracy, not to mention its strengthening.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION