CHP leader ready to lose votes in coalition gov’t

Vahap Munyar - ANKARA

REUTERS photo

The Republican People’s Party (CHP) is ready to make all kinds concessions for the benefit of Turkey, CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has said, pushing further for the foundation of a coalition government instead of heading for a snap election. 

“We are ready to all kinds of concessions for the profit of the country. I would be sad if we cannot found a coalition with the AKP [Justice and Development Party],” he told Hürriyet, arguing a new election following the polls on June 7 would prove the “clumsiness” of the politicians. 

“This would make the people pay the price,” he said.

“We are ready for a short-term loss of votes if a coalition government will offer Turkey an important boost,” he added. 

However, Kılıçdaroğlu said Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu is sending messages to society that he cannot use his own will, implying the role of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. 

Meanwhile, the AKP and the CHP have agreed on the need for structural economic reforms during lengthy exploratory coalition talks, which are expected to finish Aug. 5. 

“A common understanding on the need for structural reforms has been revealed and expressed. The importance of fiscal and monetary discipline and on protecting these through social balances has been also expressed,” Haluk Koç, deputy leader of the CHP, said after an eight-hour meeting with the AKP delegation July 30. 

Koç said the two delegations have also discussed the importance of a comprehensive growth strategy and other economic issues.