Oktay Öztürk

An Ankara court has decided to halt the extraordinary party congress process of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) as a precaution, MHP deputy leader Oktay Öztürk announced on April 29.

The Turkish Parliament is set to launch a fresh initiative as an inter-party commission will meet for the first time on Feb. 4 with the task of writing a new charter, nearly two years after failing to do so. 

With a strong pledge to stand against moves aimed at paving the way for a transition from Turkey's current parliamentary system to a presidential system, the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) has named three lawmakers to represent the party in a parliamentary commission to be tasked with drafting a new constitution, days after the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) did the same.

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli gave surprising support to Prime Minister Ahmet Davuto?lu's Justice and Development Party (AK Parti) during a 1 hour 40 minute talk in parliament on Jan. 4. He agreed to take part in a commission in which all parties, including the Kurdish-problem-focused Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), would be represented.

A meeting between Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) leader, Prime Minister Ahmet Davuto?lu, and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli on Jan. 4 ended with a consensus to work on a new constitution, while the latter clearly voiced his party's firm objection to a transition into a presidential system.

A media ban on the investigation into the twin bombings in Ankara on Oct. 10 has been criticized by politicians from the three opposition parties and jurists, while the Ankara Bar Association took legal action against the ban.

Republican People?s Party (CHP) head Kemal K?l?çdaro?lu has warned the government of ?hidden interests? of foreign countries in the Syrian crisis, slamming the Justice and Development Party?s (AKP) ?incorrect? policies in Syria.