Turkey needs coalition government, Erdo?an says

Turkey needs a coalition government that can solve today's problems and build the future, President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an said. Meanwhile, the schedule for the first round of coalition negotiations has been set, with key talks starting on July 13.

Erdo?an had commissioned Justice and Development Party (AKP) leader and incumbent Prime Minister Ahmet Davuto?lu to form a new government on July 9, more than a month after the June 7 general elections that the AKP lost its parliamentary majority.

Speaking at an iftar dinner organized by Istanbul University's theology faculty late July 10, Erdo?an wished success for Davuto?lu. "My wish is that a new government will be formed in line with the sensitivities of conditions for Turkey today," he said.

"Turkey needs today a coalition government that asserts its will for the solution of current problems and for building the future, instead of debating its past," Erdo?an added.

If political parties fail reach a compromise, Turkish President noted, an early election could be the solution then.

Erdo?an also defended his presidential record, claiming that "everything he has done since he was elected was in accordance with the constitution and [his] promises to the nation."

Banning coalitions

During the campaign season for the June 7 general elections, Erdo?an was accused by opposition parties of favoring the AKP, violating the constitutional impartiality of Presidency.

?Italy recently passed a law banning coalitions. While the entire world is seeking ways to boost stability, they [opposition parties] are promising a coalition government. The entire world is adopting the presidential system for stability, while they are still talking about the parliamentary system,...