20.06.2026 13:30
The photo that brought together leaders of different political parties and former President Abdullah Gül at the D-8 summit has ignited debates over a "new alliance" in Ankara. As parties accelerate their search for a third way in politics, Fatih Erbakan, leader of the New Welfare Party, drew attention with his statement "I am the presidential candidate." While Erbakan firmly vetoed the name of Abdullah Gül in alliance scenarios, he announced that they could support Mansur Yavaş.
As all eyes in politics turn toward possible new alliances and searches for common ground, a photograph taken at the D-8 meeting stirred up the capital's backstage circles. The discussions held by Sinan Burhan, Editor-in-Chief of the Millet News Agency, with political party leaders and their aides shed light on the new era strategies among conservative and center-right parties.
ARIKAN: WE ARE FORMING A NEW POLITICAL LINE
On the Felicity Party front, the effort to produce a new alternative against bipolar politics stands out. Felicity Party Chairman Mahmut Arıkan emphasized that Turkey should not remain stuck between the current government and the main opposition.
Stressing that their priority is not names but Turkey's success, Arıkan stated that polarizing language must be abandoned, using the following words:
"We advocate for strengthening center politics. Polarizing politics should be left behind. We are working on the goal of forming a new political line."
CLEAR STATEMENT FROM ERBAKAN: I AM THE CANDIDATE, WE WOULD ALSO SUPPORT MANSUR YAVAŞ
The clearest statements that left their mark on the agenda came from Fatih Erbakan, Chairman of the New Welfare Party. Erbakan noted that the photograph from the D-8 summit was very significant in terms of contacts among right-wing and conservative parties, closed the door on the presidential candidacy issue, and put forward his own name.
Erbakan, who firmly rejected the possibility of former President Abdullah Gül, left the door open for Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş:
"I am the presidential candidate. There is no question of us supporting Abdullah Gül. If right-wing parties come together, we would also support Mansur Yavaş."
MESSAGE OF A NEW ALTERNATIVE FROM THE DEVA FRONT
According to information obtained from close circles of DEVA Party Chairman Ali Babacan, the party continues to adhere to the political course it set at the 2024 Grand Congress. Party sources stated that citizens cannot be forced into a choice only between the government and the main opposition, adding that the construction of a new political alternative is ongoing.
In the evaluation, it was emphasized that topics such as a joint list, alliance, or joint candidate can only be put on the table as the election period approaches, and that these issues are not a priority on the party's agenda at this stage.
CONSULTATION ON JOINT ACTION WITH DAVUTOĞLU
In the meeting with Future Party Chairman Ahmet Davutoğlu, Turkey's political future was centered rather than candidacy debates. It was stated that no political bargaining or presidential candidacy name was brought up in the meeting, and the consultations focused entirely on social unity and opportunities for joint action.
Political backstage circles are considering the possibility that the foundations laid with the D-8 gathering could turn into more concrete cooperations as the election season approaches.