TATAR: I WILL GIVE DUTY TO FORM GOVERNMENT TO NEXT UBP LEADER

PRESIDENT Ersin Tatar announced on Monday that he will give the task of forming a new government to the winner of the National Unity Party (UBP) convention.

Based on the outcome of his meetings with the Attorney General, the Parliamentary Speaker and the Supreme Court Chief Justice, Mr Tatar stated that an early election date could be set for Sunday, January 9, once the UBP convention has concluded.

However, Mr Tatar stressed his hope that all political parties in Parliament could agree on an early election date without his intervention.

He said that after the 60day period expires since the government’s resignation he has the authority as President to set an early election date but “would prefer not to use” that power.

Following the meetings he held last week with the leaders of political parties represented in Parliament regarding the formation of a new government, Mr Tatar also met with independent MPs Hasan Topal, Mesut Genç, Hasan Büyükoğlu and Bertan Zaroğlu.

“Their view is that a government cannot be formed in the current situation and early elections await us,” Mr Tatar said.

Mr Tatar also mentioned that he had a meeting with Prime Minister Ersan Saner and that Mr Saner told him that he “does not want to continue in office”.

Pointing out that December 26 and February 6 had also been put forward as dates for an early general election, Mr Tatar said: “However, because each party is required by law to hold a convention every three years at the latest . . . it was determined in some later assessments that the election date can only be decided after the UBP convention concludes . . . My current thought . . . is to give the task of forming a government to the person who wins the UBP convention.

“Of course, this government will be in place until the election. Because it’s obvious that the person who will be given the task will make his assessment regarding forming a government or not.”

Stating that he has tried to follow the process “the best he can” based on legal and political advice, Mr Tatar, a former UBP leader, added: “If anyone has an idea my door is open because, after all, I am an impartial President. Although it’s clear where I’m coming from, I’m an impartial President trying to manage the process as part of my Constitutional powers.”