Party inflation racing toward a record: 8 new political parties established

Şenol ÇARIK - 12punto.com.tr

The number of parties in our country is practically racing toward a record.

According to information on the website of the Court of Cassation Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, eight parties joined Turkish political life in November 2023. Genç Türkiye Partisi, Türkiye Güven Partisi, Türkiye Emekliler Partisi, Turan Partisi, Büyük Parti, Yeşil Sol Parti, Türkiye’m Partisi, and Küresel Adalet ve Liyakat Partisi are the newly established parties. With these 8 parties, the number of established parties in Turkey has risen to 141 as of now.

Here are the newly established parties...

Genç Türkiye Partisi

Established on November 8, 2023, the party, with the short name "GTP," is led by Ali Alemdaroğlu. The party has no website or social media accounts. Party leader Alemdaroğlu shares posts on his personal social media accounts containing demands regarding the salaries and personal rights of employees and retirees.

Türkiye Güven Partisi

Established on November 9, 2023, the party is led by Mehmet Ali Kumru. The party, with the short name "TGP," does not have a website. In the social media posts of party officials, it is seen that they position themselves in the center of the political spectrum. Their social media posts include the phrases: “Türkiye Güven Partisi is the party of change, always of the future, of hopeful tomorrows. It is the party of the worker, the laborer, the peasant, and the farmer. It is the party of a Turkey with a beautiful future. It is the hope of the youth and the future that will shed light on Turkey's future for an interest-free Turkey.”

Türkiye Emekliler Partisi

Established on November 14, 2023, under the leadership of Metin İmer, the party's abbreviation is "TEP."

General Chair Metin İmer explained the reason for the establishment of the party, which began its founding efforts in July, as follows: "We felt the need to establish this party because the capital-driven parties in the current system do not offer hope to the people and do not look after retirees. We want to live humanely. Our salary increase demand for January is at least 50 thousand liras."

Turan Partisi

There is no information yet on the internet or social media regarding the party, which was established on November 21, 2023.

"Turan" is a single country that is intended to be established by uniting all Turks in the world. There is also a previously established party named Turan Hareketi Partisi (TURAN).

Büyük Parti

The general chair of the conservative right-wing Büyük Parti, established on November 23, 2023, is Mikdat Erdem. Expert Psychologist Erdem is also a figure who served as a member of the Central Decision and Administrative Board (MKYK) of the Yeniden Refah Partisi, led by Fatih Erbakan. It is noteworthy that Erdem has recently been criticizing the government, particularly over its Israel policies.

Yeşil Sol Parti

The Yeşil Sol Parti, which was the backup for the HDP—which changed its name to HEDEP and then to DEM Parti—has returned to the political scene. The establishment of the party, with the short name YSP, took place on November 24, 2023. In a statement made from the YSP's Twitter account, it was said: “The ‘Yeşil Sol’ (Green Left), which opposes the destruction and looting of nature and fights for social justice, democracy, equality, and freedom, continues its journey. We submitted our establishment documents to the Ministry of Interior on November 16, 2023, and received our receipt on November 24, officially re-establishing ourselves. Didem Betül Göçer and Ahmet Asena were appointed as co-spokespersons by our Founders' Board.”

The Yeşiller ve Sol Gelecek Partisi (Green Left Party), founded in 2012 by a group that included those who left the ÖDP and those led by Ufuk Uras, including the so-called ‘yetmez ama evet’ (not enough but yes) supporters, had entered the May 14, 2023, general elections as a backup party due to the HDP closure case.

After the election, the name of the Yeşil Sol Parti was first changed to ‘Demokratik Halklar Partisi’ by a decision of the Central Executive Board (MYK). At the 4th Ordinary Congress of the Yeşil Sol Parti, the party's new name became the Halkların Eşitlik ve Demokrasi Partisi (HEDEP). After the Court of Cassation objected to the name HEDEP because it was reminiscent of the closed Halkın Demokrasi Partisi (HADEP), the new abbreviation became DEM Parti.

Türkiye’m Partisi

Established on November 29, 2023, under the leadership of Önder Genç, the short name of the party is “TÜRKİYE’M.” Genç had previously served as the Deputy General Chair of the Yükseliş Partisi.

Stating that their goal is a "Fair and Happy Turkey," Önder Genç said, "We are focusing on Turkey's future and the welfare of our citizens. We believe in the fertility of our soil and the strength of our agriculture and livestock sector. We will work to discover Turkey's agricultural potential and to protect and multiply local seeds."

Küresel Adalet ve Liyakat Partisi

The party, with the short name “KALP PARTİSİ,” was established on November 29, 2023. There is no information yet on the internet or social media regarding the party.