Koç University in Istanbul

Turkish Opposition Star’s Frustration Risks Helping Erdogan

Muharrem Ince, a senior name in Turkey's main opposition social democratic Republican People's Party, CHP, did well as his party's presidential candidate in 2018 against Turkish strongman Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

He lost the election in the first round but created a new energy in the opposition ranks after polling a respectable 31 per cent of the votes.

Former Erdogan Ally Babacan Unveils ‘Cure’ for Turkey’s Ills

But he resigned from the ruling party in 2019, citing "deep differences" with it over the state of democracy, rule of law and foreign policy.

"Our democracy is weak, our society cannot breathe. Our economy, education and health systems are alarming," Babacan said on Wednesday in Ankara at the official launch of the DEVA party.