CHP one step ahead but doors not closed on MHP for coalition with AKP

The first round of coalition talks has clearly shown the Republican People's Party (CHP) was eager to join the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in a coalition government, while the two other opposition parties, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), have voiced their reluctance. 

Prime Minister Ahmet Davuto?lu's low-profile and understated manner and CHP leader Kemal K?l?çdaro?lu's constructive and positive approach appears to have helped two ideologically opposed parties overcome psychological barriers in the first round of talks, but forming a coalition government will require further work. 

In a long program aired late July 15 on private broadcaster NTV, Davuto?lu made a general assessment of his talks with the three oppositional parties and described the first round as "successful," as they had bridged a "psychological gap" between the AKP and the three opposition parties, particularly the CHP.    

"The psychological gap, the difference between me and Mr. K?l?çdaro?lu or between our teams, has now been considerably reduced in comparison with the situation before my talks," he said. 

Considering the rival parties' history, it was noteworthy for Davuto?lu to express his contentment with the CHP's positive approach and accept the establishment of a mechanism to move toward forming a government. 

Priority on CHP

"We have agreed on the methodology. Our teams will work and enter into details next week. We have divided the issues under two titles: Those needs to be discussed in the first phase and those in the second. Then two leaders will listen to the results of this work," he said. "Culture Minister Ömer Çelik and CHP spokesperson Haluk Koç are leading this work....