Internal strife will keep Turkey’s parties occupied

Significance

Cracks emerged in the ruling People’s Alliance, a coalition between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) of Devlet Bahceli. At the same time, there is disquiet in the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and internal turmoil in the opposition nationalist Good Party (IP) following a change in leadership.

Impacts

• Erdogan could seek to re-evaluate his relationship with the MHP.
• The CHP will attempt to influence Erdogan on counter-terrorism, foreign policy and constitutional reform.
• Erdogan may look to lure defectors from the IP or draw the party closer to the ruling coalition.