PodcastFormer PM Davutoğlu's Future Party polling at 4 percent
The newly-formed Future Party (FP), established by former Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu, is currently polling at 3.9 percent, according to surveys conducted by the party. Only 15 percent of people polled said that they had heard of the party. According to party sources, the low figures are likely due to the fact that the party has received practically no coverage from mainstream newspapers and television channels.
Nergis Demirkaya / DUVAR
The newly-formed Future Party (FP), established by former Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu, is currently at polling at 3.9 percent, according to surveys conducted by the party.
Davutoğlu, a co-founder of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and longtime ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, officially unveiled his breakaway opposition party late last year.
According to party sources, 15 percent of people polled said that had heard of the party, and that low figure is likely due to the fact that the party has received practically no coverage in mainstream newspapers and television channels, the majority of which are controlled by businesses that maintain a friendly relationship with Erdoğan and the AKP.
In the two months since its formation, the Future Party has established branches in 32 cities across the country, including the largest cities of Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir. A total of 50 branches are expected to be established as of March.
Davutoğlu attended the opening ceremony of the Istanbul branch, and will be in attendance for the opening of the Ankara headquarters on Feb. 22.
Davutoğlu's party has been widely discussed in terms of the potential effect it could have on Turkey's general election in 2023. Another party is expected to be established by former Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan, another former Erdoğan ally. If either party is successful in drawing away conservative voters who have become disenchanted with Erdoğan and the AKP, they could have a major impact in the Turkish political sphere.