AK Party

In all surveys, terror is the number-one issue. Of course, terror is Turkey's number-one problem. And indeed, it affects politics too as the first factor. Leaving aside factors such as unemployment, economy and foreign policy, when the government that conducts major operations against terror, it increases its votes.

The attendance of Western diplomats at the Can Dündar-Erdem Gül hearing on March 25 apparently raised so many eyebrows that President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an even complained about them during his visit to the war academy, where he was addressing officers. But then again, this may be another game he is playing. 

Turkey's government owes the lifting of visas to Schengen Zone members to its people, Turkish EU Minister Volkan Bozk?r has said. 

"The AK Party [Justice and Development Party] government will ensure the lifting of the visa [requirement]. This is our debt to our people, and we really want to make this happen," he said March 24 in an interview with Anadolu Agency in Helsinki.

The 6th Istanbul Criminal Court of Peace ruled to appoint a trustee panel to the Zaman media group on March 4, following a request by the Istanbul Prosecutors' Office within the framework of a probe against the an "Fethullahist Terror Organization" (FETÖ). 

Opposition is mounting across the art world after the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government announced an art commission was to be licensed to fight against severe social problems. 

Turkey and Israel are close to signing an agreement on compensation for the killing of 10 Turkish activists by Israeli commandos in 2010, a Turkish ruling party official said on Feb. 15.

Turkey's new government under Prime Minister Ahmet Davuto?lu has set the adoption of the presidential system in line with President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an's desires as one its top priorities, together with the approval of a new constitution and improvements on democratization.

Bundestag Vice President Claudia Roth criticizes German Chancellor Merkel's bargaining with Turkey, saying it will result in more Syrian refugees staying in TurkeyThe vice president of Germany's Bundestag has deeply criticized her government's bargaining with Turkey in an attempt to persuade Turkey to agree to a migrant action plan in return for the carrot of greater visa liberalization.

Bundestag Vice President Claudia Roth criticizes German Chancellor Merkel's bargaining with Turkey, saying it will result in more Syrian refugees staying in TurkeyThe vice president of Germany's Bundestag has deeply criticized her government's bargaining with Turkey in an attempt to persuade Turkey to agree to a migrant action plan in return for the carrot of greater visa liberalization.

Prime Minister Ahmet Davuto?lu, in his speech delivered at those hours when the election victory was definite, said, "Those who did not vote for us should not have a defeatist mood. I am addressing the AK Party [Justice and Development Party] members; today is the day of victory but at the same time, the day of modesty."