Turkey’s anti-Erdogan bloc

A new opposition alliance vows to reverse President Erdogan’s policies in what many see as the most consequential election in the republic’s 100-year history


Kemal Kilicdaroglu, 74 – head of main secular opposition party Republican People’s Party. Chosen by six-party Nation Alliance to challenge 

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, 69, in May’s presidential election


KEY PLEDGES BY NATION ALLIANCE
 
POLITICAL SYSTEM
 
Return Turkey to parliamentary democracy and bring back position of prime minister
  
Presidency to be ceremonial role only, serving one seven-year term

Parliament’s authority to back out of international agreements to be enshrined in constitution


FOREIGN POLICY

Complete accession process for full membership to European Union

Establish relations with U.S. with understanding of mutual trust, and return Turkey to F-35 fighter jet programme

Maintain relations with Russia “with an understanding that both parties are equal”


ECONOMY

Lower inflation – running at 55% in February – to single digits within two years and restore stability of Turkish lira, which has lost 80% of value in past five years
  
Restore independence of central bank. Roll back measures such as allowing cabinet to select governor
 
 
LEGAL REFORMS
 
Ensure independence of judiciary, currently seen as under control of Erdogan
  
Ensure courts quickly implement rulings by Constitutional Court and European Court of Human Rights
    
Strengthen freedom of expression and ensure pre-trial detentions kept to minimum
 

Sources: Reuters, Bloomberg 
Pictures: Getty Images 
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