Haluk Koç

President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an, on the evening of the day when he assigned Prime Minister Ahmet Davuto?lu to form the new government, addressed Turkey?s political parties, telling them ?not to try the nation?s patience.? 

The first round of coalition talks has clearly shown the Republican People's Party (CHP) was eager to join the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in a coalition government, while the two other opposition parties, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), have voiced their reluctance. 

The first contact in Turkey?s official coalition talks took place on July 13 as Prime Minister Ahmet Davuto?lu and his Justice and Development Party (AK Party) team visited Republican People?s Party (CHP) head Kemal K?l?çdaro?lu at the latter?s party headquarters.

The Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Republican People?s Party (CHP) have echoed each other, with both emphasizing the utmost need to form ?a strong government? for the sake of the country in separate remarks delivered following a meeting between the leaders of the two parties during which they tested the waters for a possible ?grand coalition.?

Preliminary results from Turkey's parliamentary election suggest that the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) has won over 25 percent of the vote, largely retaining the 26 percent support it received in general elections four years ago, according to unofficial results from Anadolu Agency. 

550 candidates of the social democrat party represent the most inclusive list of candidacy for the upcoming parliamentary elections in comparison with other important political parties, a party official has said, informing that 20 percent of candidates are female with many of them having the chance to be elected. 

The 550 candidates of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) for the upcoming parliamentary elections will represent the most inclusive list of candidates in comparison to the other main political parties, a senior party official has stated, particularly referring to the 103 female candidates who may be elected.

The production currently on Turkey?s political stage is ?Fidan?s Abduction from the Seraglio,? main opposition Republican People?s Party (CHP) Spokesperson Haluk Koç has said, referring to the resignation of former intelligence chief Hakan Fidan and suggesting that President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an is being left isolated by his own men.

The main opposition party has strongly reacted to the prime minister, who argued that the social democrat party was defending a Turkish daily?s decision to reprint cartoons featuring Prophet Muhammad, and accused him of exploiting religion for politics.

Turkish Defense Minister İsmet Yılmaz has denied recent claims that his relative had been recruited by the Telecommunications Directorate (TİB) without completing an exam.