AKP talks with CHP continue, in close contact with MHP for coalition

ANKARA

CİHAN photo

Although the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) is continuing talks with the social democrat Republican People’s Party (CHP) for a coalition government, AKP leader Ahmet Davutoğlu revealed that they were also in close contact with the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). 

“The MHP previously declared they were not willing to hold talks on a government partnership. But we have decided to keep in touch and work with the MHP are underway under the coordination of [Labor Minister] Faruk Çelik,” Davutoğlu said in an address to his party July 30 in Ankara. 

Davutoğlu’s statements came as delegations from the AKP and the CHP came together to discuss key political issues and their respective positions on them, in a bid to find out whether there is ground for the building a lasting coalition government. Teams were led by Culture Minister Ömer Çelik from the AKP and deputy leader Haluk Koç from the CHP. Their last meeting on July 28 lasted seven hours and included the new constitution, democratization and other important issues. 

Davutoğlu said the exploratory talks with the CHP were ongoing but while underlining that talks with the MHP will also be resumed when necessary.   

Davutoğlu visited all three oppositional party leaders, including Selahattin Demirtaş of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) after he received the mandate to begin forming the government but talks have started solely with the CHP. Given the similarities in their worldviews and positions on many political issues, including the fight against terror, a government between the AKP-MHP would run in much more harmony, according to many analysts. 

The deadline for making a government expires on Aug. 24.