23/04/2014 20:48
L. Hovsepian: A great deal has changed in Turkey’s domestic political life
A great deal has changed in Turkey’s domestic political life now, Levon Hovsepian, an expert on Turkey, told the correspondent of Aysor.am.
“These changes are especially noticeable following the incumbent Turkish President Abdullah Gul’s statement, which was quite unexpected not only to Turkish society, but also to the Justice and Development Party,” Hovsepian said.
The Turkilogist noted that a meeting of Gul and Erdogan is planned soon, during which the statement of Presidents Gul and the consequences stemming from it will be discussed.
“The further developments depend on this meeting. Given the disagreements between Erdogan and Gul, interesting developments can be expected. Gul opposes Erdogan and does not share his position on many issues, especially on Turkey’s internal political life. These contradictions have become more evident recently and this imbalance is visible when the prime minister says one thing, while the president – the opposite,” Hovsepian noted.
According to him, the disagreements between the two became especially pronounced when Erdogan began to show his aspiration to rule the country single-handedly.
“This roused the indignation of Erdogan with whom Gul did not reckon anymore. It is not ruled out that Gul will try to show interest in Turkey’s further political configuration. There are some internal problems in Justice and Development Party itself,” the expert said. In his words, the withdrawal of Gul from that party cannot be ruled out.
“Taking into account the relations of Erdogan and Gul, the Justice and Development Party may split,” he said.
In his words, there were rumors about a split within Justice and Development Party previously, at the time of Fethullah Gulen who also had disagreements with Erdogan.
“Gulen has supporters in Justice and Development Party today as well. Although that process was partly suspended at the time, it is no longer possible to conceal it today. As regards President Gul, time will show what will happen. Erdogan’s isolation may lead to other domestic political developments,” Levon Hovsepian said.