European Forum

Erdogan: “No early elections in Turkey”

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan over the weekend ruled out the option of holding early Parliamentary elections ahead of those scheduled for 2011. "From now on, elections will be held at set dates, with possible variations of a month or two," Erdogan told journalists in Istanbul, in response to media reports suggesting the government is looking to hold early elections in 2010. Analysts have said it is a possibility, given anticipated economic growth next year. The economic crisis this year has forced the government to increase spending by about 10%, amid high unemployment.

Erdogan denied having any consultation on early elections with main opposition leader Deniz Baykal of the Republican People's Party (CHP) during the Republic Day ceremony on 29 October. “Such a consultation is against my basic principles. As I assured at the beginning [of my political career], Turkey has closed the era of early elections taking place almost each 16 months since we came to power,” Erdoğan said. Saying that rumours of early elections damage the national interest, he added: “Those voicing the possibility of early elections don’t care about this country, but instead are damaging it.”

Parliament to discuss ‘Kurdish move’
The topic of his conversation with Baykal was the upcoming parliamentary sessions related to the so-called democratic move, Erdoğan said.

In a televised address this weekend, Erdogan once more stressed that there would be “no step back from the democratic move.” Defining it as “a national unity project,” Erdoğan called on the public to support the initiative. “As the government, we have taken a step and are determined to go until the end. The success, however, depends on whether everybody carries out their responsibilities,” Erdoğan added. In hopes of drawing wider support for the process, Erdoğan pointed out that the Parliament would discuss the democratic move. “We’re bringing the issue to Parliament,” he said. “Everyone can express their ideas and opinions. Later on, we will continue this process throughout the country.”

Baykal confirms early-election report
Contradicting Erdoğan's denial CHP leader Baykal said that the reports on the dialogue between him and the PM are correct, media reported over the weekend. Baykal said he did not understand Erdoğan’s reaction and accused the PM of being afraid of going to early elections.

Sources: Hurriyet Daily