Former AKP lawmaker forms new center-right party

ANKARA

The party’s objective is to join the next parliamentary elections, currently scheduled for June 2015. AA Photo

İdris Bal, a former ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) lawmaker from Kütahya, has formed a new center-right party, named the Democratic Progress Party (DGP).

“The train has departed and will stop at different stations. We invite all brave people, men and women, youngsters, rightists and leftists who believe in democracy and who can bravely stand against lies and slander to join us,” Bal said at a press conference on Nov. 5.

Speaking as the founding chairman of the DGP, independent deputy Bal said his party had introduced the application for its establishment to the Interior Ministry. Stressing that Turkey’s “two major problems” were lack of democratic norms and the rule of law, he said the party would strive to improve these things.

Bal, who is known for his closeness to the movement of U.S.-based Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, said he held talks with the leaders of various civil society organizations ahead of the formation of the party.
 
He added that the party’s objective is to join the next parliamentary elections, currently scheduled for June 2015.