The latest survey results which were brought to Erdogan’s desk show that Erdogan stands to lose the majority to govern alone. That’s why Erdogan has targeted his former ally-turned-rivals Davutoglu and Babacan.
President Erdogan’s party faces the risk of falling apart. Davutoglu and Babacan, the then-prime minister and deputy prime minister of Erdogan’s regime respectively, had announced forming two different new parties.
The announcement of two new parties which will appeal to Erdogan’s base and right-wing politics has upset Erdogan’s all plans.
According to the latest article of pro-government columnist Abdulkadir Selvi, the public opinion polls are alarming for the ruling party. The survey commissioned by the ruling AKP party of a reputable polling firm KONDA was discussed in the last party meeting, Selvi reported.
The survey indicates the rate of floating voters as high as 33%. Erdogan’s party is unlikely to reach 50% without the support of MHP, its nationalist coalition partner. This means that the AKP cannot come to power. It also translates into an obligation for Erdogan to maintain his partnership with MHP.
Corruption accusations
The rate of support for Erdogan will likely drop further with the two new parties’ appearance in the upcoming surveys.
Davutoğlu, once Erdogan’s right-hand man, unveiled his intention to set up a new party before next year.
Babacan, who was the head of the economy when Turkey saw economic miracles under Erdogan’s government, will also establish his party in the first days of the new year.
Turkey has been going through economic turmoils and the public trust in Babacan makes him a worthy rival.
Erdogan is aware of the threat that his former allies may create. Following the latest poll results, Erdogan has been compelled to alter his strategy. He targeted the two figures in his speech this weekend and accused them of corruption.
Erdogan claimed some irregularities in the alienation of public land to Sehir University. Sehir University was a dream of Davutoglu who comes from an academic background and he had provided substantial support to the university during his term as prime minister. His supports to Sehir University include the arrangement of a low-interest-rate loan from the state-owned Halkbank and the grant of public lands whose decision contained also Ali Babacan’s signature.
However, the opposition side did not find Erdogan’s claim convincing. Erdogan’s name comes up first when it comes to corruption allegations in Turkey. It is said that Erdogan has a fortune of some ten billion dollars. The construction and commercial ship fleet companies of his two children are even believed to be worth billions of dollars.
Davutoğlu responded to Erdogan’s challenge saying “I suggest to set up a commission to investigate the assets of all living presidents and prime ministers and their families as well”.
Erdogan’s side remained silent against this offer. However, Erdogan gave a signal of resorting to harsh methods to take down Babacan’s and Davutoglu’s new parties.