Ahmet Davutoğlu reveals condition for returning to AKP: 'If it returns, I will return'

Gelecek Party Chairman Ahmet Davutoğlu, who was seen side-by-side with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the new legislative year reception held at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) in recent days, has made a statement regarding the photograph that sparked public debate.

In an interview with Nagehan Alçı, Davutoğlu responded to criticisms regarding the image, saying, "Our criticisms are the same, the place where I stand is the same. But when I come together with the President, we do not fail in showing respect."

Reacting to political analyses made based on a single photograph circulating on social media, Davutoğlu described these comments as "unfair." Davutoğlu stated that the moments before and after the incident were ignored and expressed that his smile was part of his temperament. However, he noted that it would not be appropriate to laugh in an environment where sensitive issues such as the developments in Gaza are present.

Stating that he did not have any political discussion with President Erdoğan during the reception, Davutoğlu conveyed that they only exchanged pleasantries and that he received thanks for the congratulatory letter he wrote regarding Erdoğan’s United Nations (UN) speech.

“IF IT RETURNS TO THE MOVEMENT OF THE VIRTUOUS, I WILL RETURN TOO”

Upon a question from Nagehan Alçı, Davutoğlu referred to the AK Party's past "Movement of the Virtuous" (Erdemliler Hareketi), stating, "Our criticisms and the place where we stand are the same. But when I come together with the President, we do not fail in showing respect. The AK Party was born out of the Movement of the Virtuous." To Alçı's question, "You are saying it was born out of the Movement of the Virtuous, but it is not at that point today. If it returns to that point, would you return?" Davutoğlu replied, "If it returns, I will return."

WHAT IS THE MOVEMENT OF THE VIRTUOUS?

The "Movement of the Virtuous" is a concept in Turkish politics generally associated with the group that emerged following the closure of the Virtue Party (Fazilet Partisi) and adopted an innovative line in politics.