Report: Ex-Turkey PM Davutoglu to launch new party

Turkey’s former Prime Minister, Ahmet Davutoglu is planning to announce the formation of his new party before July, Turkey’s Sözcü newspaper reported.

The daily said that Davutoglu will participate in a number of open meetings with politicians who support him as well as representatives of civil society organisations and associations in Istanbul and Ankara, Izmir, Konya, Malatya and Elazig.

Sözcü explained that Davutoglu’s tours could be the first step in the way to announcing his new party, noting that the party is expected to be announced before July.

Turkish media recently reported that dissidents from the ruling Justice and Development Party, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, are planning to form two new parties.

Turkey: ‘Supreme Election Council won’t bow to threats’ 

Davutoglu recently issued a statement on Facebook criticising Erdogan’s one-man policy and objecting to the arrest of dissidents and the violation of the law.

On Tuesday, Davutoglu criticised the Supreme Electoral Council’s decision to re-run the municipal elections in Istanbul, saying it destroys the basic values ​​of Turkey and is contrary to international laws and established conventions.

Turkish media also reported that former Economy Minister, Ali Babacan, has been working with former President Abdullah Gul to form a party which would unite opposition groups.