Erdoğan slams opposition parties over delay in announcement of alliance

ISTANBUL

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on May 4 slammed Turkey’s opposition parties over the delay in their formal announcement of an alliance they have struck for the upcoming June 24 snap elections.

“People will not hand over the rule of a country to those who have such difficulties making an alliance,” Erdoğan said during the opening ceremony of Istanbul’s historic Spice Bazaar after restoration works.

The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), the İYİ (Good) Party, the Felicity Party (SP) and the Democrat Party (DP) have agreed to form an alliance to run against the “People’s Alliance” established by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) on June 24.

“Generally, firsts are always the hardest but their results are bountiful. God willing, Turkey will pass the first elections of the new administration system with ease,” Erdoğan said, referring to the shift to an executive presidential system.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of Istanbul’s historic Spice Bazaar after restoration works, the president also stated that at least 4,376 militants have been “neutralized” since the launch of “Operation Olive Branch” in northern Syria in January.

“In northern Iraq the number is 379. In [Turkey’s] Cudi, Gabar and Tendürek areas the number is 297,” Erdoğan said during the opening ceremony of Istanbul’s historic Spice Bazaar after restoration works.

The Turkish military launched “Operation Olive Branch” with elements of the Free Syrian Army on Jan. 20 to clear Syrian Kurdish militant groups from Afrin.