Two main opposition leaders to meet May 30 for presidency

ANKARA

MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli (L) had proposed a joint candidate with the CHP and his call was received positively by Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu (R).

The leaders of two main oppositional parties will come together May 30 to discuss upcoming presidential elections and whether they can agree on a joint candidate that would stand against Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli will meet at Parliament on the afternoon of May 30, the CHP said in a written statement on May 29. The statement underlined that the meeting between the two leaders will focus on “what kind of a president the state needs,” hinting the leaders will not name the candidates they are considering.

Bahçeli had proposed a joint candidate with the CHP and his call was received positively by the social democrat leader. However, both party leaders are yet to consult with veteran politicians; representatives of civil society and other important institutions before coming to a conclusion. Kılıçdaroğlu will convene his party’s central decision-making council late May 29 before his important meeting with Bahçeli.