Opposition parties in Turkey are escalating their calls for early elections, presenting a united front against what they describe as the government’s illegitimate actions and economic mishandling.
Both the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party and the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) called for early elections this week in response to the political and economic turmoil in the country.
On Thursday, DEM Party Co-chairs Tuncer Bakırhan and Tülay Hatimoğulları met with NGO representatives in Hakkari (Colemêrg), where they expressed their grievances over the current government’s policies. “The government and its ally MHP [Nationalist Movement Party] have once again proven their illegitimacy,” Hatimoğulları stated. “They are already losing power and will end up in the dustbin of history. Their repeated appointments of trustees are aimed at seizing municipal resources and enriching their cronies.”
Following the DEM Party’s lead, CHP leader Özgür Özel, during a visit to Adana on the same day, echoed the necessity of an early election. Özel highlighted the economic crisis and the administration’s repeated mistakes as clear indicators that Turkey was ready for an early electoral call. “The conditions for an early election in Turkey have been met. We are prepared to take over governance and address these issues immediately,” Özel declared.
Both parties are using recent local electoral successes as a platform to challenge the central government’s approach, with the CHP leader stating, “Adana’s success will be Turkey’s success. The nation is eager for us to lead again. Whether elections are scheduled or called early, we are ready.”
