Zeitgeist Turkey | Episode 21: Where will MHP leader's influence on President Erdoğan take ruling People's Alliance?

In this episode of Zeitgeist Turkey, Duvar English Editor-in-chief Cansu Çamlıbel and pollster Can Selçuki weigh the resignation of Bülent Arınç, a founding member of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), days after he urged the release of Osman Kavala and Selahattin Demirtaş. Although Arınç's comments initially fit in with the president's promises of reforms, they seemingly crossed boundaries for President Erdoğan's alliance partner.

Friday November 27 2020 10:23 am

Editor: Azra Ceylan

In this episode of Zeitgeist Turkey, Duvar English Editor-in-chief Cansu Çamlıbel and pollster Can Selçuki dissect the Nov. 24 resignation of Bülent Arınç, a founding member of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

Arınç's resignation came days after he suggested the release of philanthropist and businessman Osman Kavala, along with that of Selahattin Demirtaş, former co-chair of pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP).

Initially viewed as part of the president's rhetoric on reforms in the country, Arınç's comments seemingly crossed a red line for the president's alliance partner Devlet Bahçeli, leader of Nationalist Movement Party (MHP).

As the vote share of ruling People's Alliance shrinks in the polls, where will Bahçeli's influence lead the partnership, and more importantly, President Erdoğan?