SABAH- Columnist Gungor Mengi writes on recent developments regarding the government. A summary of his column is as follows:
The opportunism of Tansu Ciller gave new life to a government which had seemed on the verge of a breakdown. After a long interval, the Cabinet met under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli yesterday. The Central Bank governor’s statements regarding indications towards of improving conditions in the economy must have reminded the coalition partners that there were valid reasons for them to be a little more patient. The economic program has passed through its most difficult period, and the coalition partners are indebted to the voters due to the heavy burdens shouldered by the people. Now it is time for these investments to bring profits to the parties in power. If an unexpected crisis doesn’t erupt the economy will get better with each passing day. Breaking the government at this stage would only serve to present the political premium the ruling parties earned to the opposition on a silver platter. Ciller has played on this opportunity and the Nationalist Action Party (MHP) has finally seen the truth and showed the common sense to relieve the tension. Prime Minister Ecevit’s performance during his press conference on Sunday has helped bolster the belief that a new government crisis will not erupt soon. Politics will focus on an EU-centered agenda. Talks aimed at reaching an agreement passing the arrangements regarding abolition of the death penalty as well as lifting the barriers before teaching and broadcasting in mother tongues in the Parliament will continue until the beginning of next week. If agreement is reached, next week proposals concerning these bills will be submitted to the Parliament. Officials stated that although the MHP is against such a solution, it would not make it a government issue. However, one must also remember that in Turkey political developments to take place even over the next few hours cannot be guessed.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION