MILLIYET- Columnist Derya Sazak writes on the latest political developments and the various election strategies of the political parties. A summary of his column is as follows:
Politics is becoming so complicated that the politicians who gathered in Ankara yesterday for the funeral of Metin Toker seemed very confused about what might happen in the coming days. Prime Minister Ecevit could resign. After Nationalist Action Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli stated yesterday that his party would withdraw from the government if elections were postponed, Ecevit called an urgent meeting with the ministers from his Democratic Left Party (DSP). Ecevit expressed his opposition to early elections a few days ago by saying ‘If the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and People’s Democracy Party (HADEP) get into Parliament then we will be faced with a regime crisis.’ Bahceli, on the other hand, doesn’t look as if he is going to retreat on his resolve to hold elections on Nov. 3. Bahceli, with his statement yesterday, definitely burned his bridges regarding the future of the government. It is said that if Ecevit resigns, then President Sezer will have to assign the largest party in Parliament, the MHP, to form a government. If the MHP is unable to form a government with the political parties in favour of early elections, then it may play for time and wait until 45 days are up, which is the time it has to get a vote of confidence from the Parliament. If a government isn’t formed within 45 days, then the president is obliged to dissolve the Parliament and call for elections. One other party that would be willing to come to power until elections are held is the newly established party, ‘New Turkey’ (YT). While its leader Ismail Cem says that they are ready for early elections, it is being said that YT co-founder Husamettin Ozkan and Motherland Party (ANAP) leader Mesut Yilmaz are exploring the possibility of establishing a government that could pass the necessary EU adaptation laws. Cem and Ozkan have no doubt that current Economy Minister Kemal Dervis will join their new party upon his return to Ankara from the United States on August 1. However, there are a number of deputies who are uncomfortable with the fact that the new party’s ranks have so far been limited to ex-DSP deputies. They argue that the only way New Turkey can be successful is if Dervis joins the party. Judging by the latest developments, this Parliament won’t be able to pass the EU adaptation laws or decide to hold elections on Nov 3. Ecevit considered withdrawing from the government yesterday, but the final decision is going to be made after his meeting with the True Path Party (DYP) leader Tansu Ciller today.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION