Erdogan abandons after Istanbul's defeat: Close allies form new party

Two top figures of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party [Erdogan] are planning to establish a rival political group this year, a move that would significantly reduce the support of the current leader among the conservatives.

Behind plans to abandon Erdogan are former Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan [Fathercan] and former President Abdullah Gyl [Gul], both founding members of Erdogan's AKP, broadcast Reuters, Pryskopi conveys.

The elections lost last week by this party have created major divisions and dissatisfaction with Erdogan's iron rule and harsh rhetoric.

With the recession in the economy, unemployment and inflation hurting Erdogan's power, the country's future remains unclear.

The policies of the new party are said to be in line with those of the early years of the AKP, when Erdogan himself ruled more moderately.

Babacan had also served as economy and foreign affairs minister in the early years of the ruling AKP.

Another senior AKP figure, contacted by Reuters, said the party was aware of plans to establish the new party.

Babacan is a respected and powerful figure. Naturally, the AKP will be hurt by the formation of the new party,”, he said. /Periscope