13.05.2026 15:20
Ahmet Davutoğlu, the leader of the Future Party, made striking criticisms of the CHP. Arguing that the CHP should question itself over corruption allegations against some mayors and party switches, Davutoğlu said, "I see the CHP as a party that has failed the midterm exam and lost its readiness for the final."
Speaking at the group meeting of the New Path Party in the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Future Party Chairman Ahmet Davutoğlu made a striking statement regarding the transfers between political parties.
WORDS THAT WILL ANGER ÖZGÜR ÖZEL
Criticizing the CHP in his speech, Davutoğlu likened it to "a party that has failed the midterm exam and lost the will to prepare for the final." He said, "Let no one be offended, but if the mayors they revered two years ago—though there may be unjust court decisions—have become mired in corruption through confessions, and some have even switched parties to avoid prison, the main opposition party should look at itself. I see the CHP's situation as a party that has failed the midterm exam and lost the will to prepare for the final. Local governance is the midterm exam. The Welfare Party's great rise was due to its excellent performance in local governance. But you have failed the midterm exam and claim, 'I will compete for power in the final.' You must cleanse yourselves. The current government is already the center of this decay."
THIS IS CALLED 'MORAL DECAY'
Continuing his remarks, Davutoğlu described the inter-party transfers as "political decay." He stated, "Let's consider what has happened in the last three years. Who jumped from where to where in such a short time? Today, we are experiencing two things across all sectors: moral decay and mental desertification. Since the 2023 elections, 37 MPs have changed parties, and in these party switches, the government is as responsible as the main opposition party. In the last two years, 76 mayors have switched to the AK Party. A change of 37 MPs in two to three years means 10 percent of the Turkish Grand National Assembly. If 10 percent have shifted contrary to their campaign rhetoric from the previous election, that is called 'moral decay.'"
"YOU WILL GO DOWN AS A STAIN ON TURKISH POLITICS"
Drawing an example from the Bülent Ecevit era, Davutoğlu said, "If 76 municipalities have changed hands, I will address both the government and the opposition. Let's go back to January 1978. Bülent Ecevit, later known as the 'Honest Prime Minister' and whom I respect, made the biggest mistake of his life: to form a government, he transferred 11 Justice Party MPs by offering them ministerial positions. These MPs changed parties in exchange for ministries. That government stayed in power until November 1978. Afterwards, all these MPs were remembered as stains on Turkish politics. None achieved fortune or respect. I understand if a person reflects and changes their political views, but I address those who have no political stance and only switch sides for personal gain: you will go down in history as a stain on Turkish politics, and you will be remembered as such."