Finbar Anderson is a journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon.

Lebanon government wins confidence vote as protesters, security forces clash

11 Feb 2020  |  english.alarabiya.net  |  English  |  Government

Lebanon's new cabinet secured a vote of confidence in parliament amid ongoing protests and clashes with security forces. The vote saw 63 out of 84 MPs present supporting the new government, which is backed by groups including Hezbollah and the Free Patriotic Movement. Protestors expressed dissatisfaction with the government's composition, citing political ties and lack of independent experts. The new cabinet, formed after a month-long delay, faces significant challenges, including a severe financial crisis and demands for substantial reforms. The situation remains tense, with many Lebanese citizens skeptical about the government's ability to bring about meaningful change.

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Syrian Social Nationalist Party Progressive Socialist Party Future Movement Free Patriotic Movement Lebanese Parliament Hezbollah Amal Marada Karameh Lebanese Forces Lebanese Red Cross March 8 Alliance

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Burcu Başaran is a journalist based in İstanbul, Türkiye. With nearly 5 years of experience in various fields of media sector, I currently continue my career as Istanbul Deputy Bureau Chief of Euronews. I am also a freelance and published author.

Nationalism is the true victor in Turkish elections

15 May 2023  |  Daily Sabah  |  English  |  Nationalism

In the recent Turkish elections, neither President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan nor his main opponent Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu secured a majority, leading to a runoff. The Justice and Development Party (AK Party) and its allies, including the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), achieved significant success, securing a majority in Parliament. Nationalism emerged as the dominant force, influencing both the presidential and parliamentary outcomes. The MHP's unexpected success and the Victory Party's strong anti-refugee stance were notable. The Good Party faced internal challenges, while the Green Left Party saw a decline in support. Nationalist rhetoric played a crucial role, with Sinan Oğan emerging as a key figure. The election results underscored the transformative power of Türkiye's nationalist electorate.

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Good Party Great Union Party New Welfare Party Nationalist Movement Party Justice and Development Party Victory Party Green Left Party People's Alliance Nation Alliance

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Umut Colak is a journalist based in Istanbul, Turkey.

Why are LGBTI+ targeted in Turkey? What do LGBTI+ individuals say?

20 Sept 2023  |  VOA Türkçe  |  Turkish  |  Political Controversy

In Turkey, LGBTI+ individuals and their rights are increasingly targeted by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), its ally the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), and other conservative factions. Public figures and organizations, including the Great Unity Party (BBP) and the Radio and Television Supreme Council, have supported actions and rhetoric against LGBTI+ communities. The Ministry of National Education has introduced a course on 'Turkish Family Structure' amid these tensions. Meanwhile, the Kaos GL Association, an LGBTI+ rights organization, reports escalating human rights violations and systemic attacks against LGBTI+ individuals. The situation is exacerbated by state-supported anti-LGBTI+ rallies and the potential for upcoming constitutional changes that could further undermine LGBTI+ rights.

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Great Unity Party (BBP) Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Justice and Development Party (AKP) Radio and Television Supreme Council Ministry of National Education of Turkey Kaos GL Association Netflix Disney+

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Diego Cupolo is a multimedia journalist, photographer, and author of "Seven Syrians: War Accounts From Syrian Refugees" (2013 - 8th House Publishing).

His articles have appeared in The Atlantic, Foreign Policy and The New Statesman, among other publications. His photography and video clients ...

Turkey vote on Sweden NATO bid appears imminent. Maybe.

09 Oct 2023  |  www.turkeyrecap.com  |  English  |  Diplomacy

Diplomatic efforts are intensifying to push through Sweden's long-stalled NATO accession, with recent high-level communications between Ankara and Washington and a visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Despite no direct mention of NATO expansion, coordination on Sweden's bid is likely. Key obstacles include a delayed US-Turkey F-16 jet deal and internal discord between Turkey's ruling parties. Former Turkish ambassador Namık Tan suggests that if differences between the Justice and Development Party and the Nationalist Movement Party are resolved, voting procedures could commence immediately after budget negotiations.

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Republican People’s Party Nationalist Movement Party Justice and Development Party NATO

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Borzou Daragahi is a longtime foreign correspondent now working full-time for The Independent. He covers Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and the Arabian Peninsula as well as the Balkans and global issues such as public health, international crime and security ...

The voters pushing to end Erdogan’s 20 years of power

06 May 2023  |  The Independent  |  English  |  Economic Crisis

In Istanbul's Kurdish neighborhood of Sultangazi, the Republican People’s Party (CHP) is gaining support from Kurdish voters ahead of crucial elections, posing a threat to President Erdogan's two-decade rule. The CHP, historically nationalistic, has been realigning politically, with leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu broadening its appeal. The pro-Kurdish HDP, despite facing legal challenges, is endorsing Kilicdaroglu. Erdogan's partnership with the ultra-nationalist MHP and subsequent crackdown on Kurdish parties has alienated many Kurds. Economic dissatisfaction is high among Turkish and Kurdish voters due to soaring living costs, contributing to the desire for political change.

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Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Justice and Development Party (AKP) Republican People’s Party (CHP)

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Umar Farooq is a journalist based in Istanbul, Turkey.  He reports regularly for the Los Angeles Times from the region.  In the past year, his work has also appeared in Foreign Affairs, National Geographic, The Guardian, Boston Review, and The Nation.  

He received a Pulitzer Center Crisis ...

Erdogan’s Attacks on His Old Ally Could Backfire

19 Nov 2019  |  Foreign Policy  |  English  |  Higher Education

Ahmet Davutoglu, former Prime Minister of Turkey, has increasingly opposed President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, culminating in plans to form a new opposition party. This move has led to significant repercussions, including the financial crisis faced by Sehir University, founded by Davutoglu. The state-owned Halkbank's freezing of the university's accounts is seen as politically motivated. The article highlights the broader political conflict within the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), with notable figures like Abdullah Gul and Ali Babacan also leaving the party. Davutoglu's new party aims to address issues like freedom of expression and corruption, potentially reshaping Turkey's political landscape.

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Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Republican People’s Party (CHP) Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Justice and Development Party (AKP) Halkbank Sehir University Foundation for Sciences and Arts

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Ahammad Foyez is a journalist based in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

At emotional gathering, people ask ‘What do we want in a new Bangladesh?’

19 Nov 2024  |  Benar News  |  English  |  Human Rights

In Bangladesh, an emotional forum in Dhaka marked the first 100 days of the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The event, organized by BenarNews, featured discussions on the future of Bangladesh, emphasizing justice for those killed during recent protests. Participants, including family members of victims, called for accountability of the Awami League, the former ruling party, and highlighted the need for a humane and free Bangladesh. The gathering underscored the political transition and the role of youth in advocating for change.

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Student Movement Against Discrimination Bangladesh Nationalist Party Awami League

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I'm a multimedia reporter and writer. I have covered social change, conflict and rights in more than ten countries across the Middle East and Europe while based out of London, Rome and the West Bank.

I'm experienced across all aspects of digital journalism - from filing breaking news to ...

Erdogan's election challenge: Could Turkey's opposition win?

14 May 2023  |  The New Arab  |  English  |  Economic Crisis

Turkey's upcoming election on 14 May presents a significant challenge to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with a united opposition coalition, the Nation Alliance, having its best chance yet to unseat him. The opposition, led by Kemal Kilicdaroglu, promises to return Turkey to a parliamentary system, fight corruption, and restore judicial independence. The election is highly competitive, with polls indicating a potential second round. Economic issues and criticism of Erdogan's policies, including his response to the recent earthquake, have made him more vulnerable. The opposition also aims to restore Turkey's NATO identity and revise its foreign policy. The Kurdish opposition faces significant challenges, including recent arrests, but remains a critical player in the election.

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Green Left Party Labor and Freedom Alliance Party Republican People's Party Nationalist Movement Party Justice and Development Party Nation Alliance People's Alliance Center for Applied Turkey Studies German Institute for International and Security Affairs Fenerbahce University Peoples’ Democratic Party Kurdistan Worker's Party NATO

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DILEK GUL is a journalist based in Istanbul, Turkey.

Graduated from Yeditepe University with a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature. Later, continued her postgraduate study in Political science and International Relations. Alongside her studies, she also started working as an ...

If the Parliament does not say 'yes' to early elections, can Erdoğan dissolve the Parliament and run for a third time?

04 Jan 2023  |  tr.euronews.com  |  Turkish  |  Turkish Politics

The possibility of Turkey's President Erdoğan running for a third term is debated in the context of early elections and constitutional law. While the ruling party, AK Parti, and its allies suggest Erdoğan is in his first term under the new system and can run again, constitutional law experts like Ece Göztepe Çelebi and Serap Yazıcı argue that if Erdoğan himself calls for early elections during his second term, he cannot run for a third term. The Supreme Election Council (YSK) would be the final authority on this matter, with no higher appeal possible, even to the European Court of Human Rights (AİHM).

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Great Unity Party (BBP) Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Justice and Development Party (AK Parti) Supreme Election Council (YSK) Constitutional Court European Court of Human Rights (AİHM)

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Ekrem Eddy Güzeldere is a political analyst and journalist. From October 2024 onwards he is based both in Northeastern Brazil (Paraíba) and Turkey (Istanbul-Izmir). He wrote his PhD on Brazil-Turkey relations and is specialized in both countries. 

After 13 years in Turkey, he was based in Berlin ...

MHP leader blames 'separatist kebab shops' for Turkey's unemployment

05 Oct 2023  |  www.duvarenglish.com  |  English  |  Food Prices

Devlet Bahçeli, leader of Turkey's far-right Nationalist Movement Party, attributed the country's unemployment problem to 'separatist kebab shops' during a parliamentary group meeting. His comments, which linked these businesses to terrorism, caused confusion and surprise, especially as he did not clarify his statements. Bahçeli's remarks came amid discussions on rising food prices and unemployment, and he is known for making controversial statements.

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Justice and Development Party Nationalist Movement Party People's Alliance

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I am a freelance journalist, based in Turkey. I mainly cover Turkey's national news, the Syrian war-related issues, the refugee crisis, and Turkey's foreign policy towards Middle East, Africa and Central Asia. I've been contributing to international media outlets as a reporter. Besides, I've been ...

The Turkish government doesn’t want you to shop at discount stores

01 Oct 2023  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Retail

The Turkish government, led by President Erdogan and his nationalist ally Devlet Bahceli, is targeting discount stores like BIM, SOK, and A101, accusing them of contributing to inflation and having ties to the Fetullah Gulen movement. This comes amid a severe economic crisis with soaring inflation and a depreciating lira. The accusations have led to threats and vandalism against the stores, while the government is also considering opening state-owned stores. Critics argue that the government's unorthodox economic policies are to blame for the crisis, not the discount retailers.

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Republican People’s Party Fetullah Gulen Movement Nationalist Movement Party Turkish Government AKP Turkish Competition Authority

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Ex-wire | 10+yrs exp | Dhaka-based | Text/Video/Photo | Refugees/Climate

Multiple international award winning journalist also offers to produce stories, interviews, PTCs, subbing, video editing, aerial visuals  and even communication consultancies etc. Open to work outside of Dhaka and also ...

Bangladesh PM Hasina blames opposition for violence, curfew to remain

30 Oct 2023  |  DZRH News  |  English  |  Government Policy

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina attributed recent deadly violence during student-led protests to opposition parties, specifically the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami. The unrest followed a Supreme Court decision to reduce quotas in government jobs, sparking protests amid stagnant private sector job growth and high youth unemployment. Despite a curfew and internet shutdown, the situation in Dhaka appeared calm, with the government extending a public holiday. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement issued demands for government action, while the economic impact of energy imports and inflation remains a concern.

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Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Bangladesh Nationalist Party Jamaat-e-Islami Supreme Court International Monetary Fund

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Murat Karabulut is a journalist based in Ankara, Turkey.

In the developing and growing world, the interaction between people will increase;  I believe that the internet and social media will be even more effective.  In this context, I think that the role of the technical team in the media sector ...

Appointment of Trustees to Turkish Medical Association Met With Reactions

30 Nov 2023  |  www.voaturkce.com  |  Turkish  |  Politics

The Turkish Medical Association (TTB) faces a legal decision to remove its Central Council and appoint trustees, a move that has sparked widespread reactions. The process began following criticisms from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Nationalist Movement Party leader Devlet Bahçeli in October 2022. The 31st Civil Court of First Instance in Ankara ruled in favor of the action, which will be appealed to the Supreme Court. If upheld, the elected TTB management will be replaced by trustees. Statements from TTB, political figures, and professional organizations have condemned the decision, emphasizing the continuation of TTB's work and the struggle for health rights, democracy, and justice.

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Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Republican People's Party (CHP) Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Justice and Development Party (AK Parti) Turkish Medical Association (TTB) Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB)

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**Available for EU CoronaVirus coverage from home studio**

Dave Keating is an American journalist covering European politics. Having previously covered US politics in Washington, Dave specializes in drawing comparisons between the American federal system and the European Union.

Dave has ...

Turkey’s European Story Is Likely Over

01 Oct 2023  |  World Politics Review  |  English  |  EU Relations

European Union officials are grappling with the unexpected results of Turkey's general election, which has led to a runoff for the presidency. Despite predictions favoring opposition candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's coalition retained a strong parliamentary majority. Erdogan's strained relations with the EU and NATO raise questions about future interactions, while a potential government change could pose new challenges for the EU.

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Nationalist Movement Party Justice and Development Party European Union NATO

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Michael Leidig is a journalist based in Wien, Austria.

Astrologer arrested over prediction that Turkish leader would die

11 Feb 2025  |  www.nationalworld.com  |  English  |  Turkish Politics

Astrologer Hilal Sarac was arrested in Turkey for predicting the death of a senior politician and the subsequent toppling of the government, which authorities deemed defamatory. Her arrest has sparked a debate on freedom of speech, with opinions divided on whether her statements were irresponsible or if the arrest is a setback for democracy. The legal proceedings against Sarac continue, highlighting tensions between professional commentary and governmental response.

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Nationalist Movement Party Turkish Government

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Marc Martorell Junyent holds a Bachelor in International Relations and is a second-year student of a master in Comparative and Middle East Politics and Society at the University of Tübingen, Germany. His research and political analysis focuses on the Middle East and North Africa region, with ...

A Crucial Year: Turkey at a Turning Point

01 Mar 2023  |  www.juancole.com  |  English  |  Earthquake

In 2023, Turkey faces a pivotal year marked by the centenary of the Turkish Republic, significant elections, and a devastating earthquake. President Erdoğan, in power for two decades, confronts economic challenges and growing anti-refugee sentiment. Two recent books analyze his tenure, highlighting economic mismanagement and political maneuvers. The opposition, including the CHP and HDP, seeks to unseat Erdoğan amid concerns over societal cohesion and refugee policies. The outcome of the elections will shape Turkey's future direction, with potential reforms if Erdoğan is ousted.

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Peoples’ Democratic Party Republican People’s Party Nationalist Movement Party Democracy and Progress Party Justice and Development Party AKP Middle East Institute Table of Six People’s Alliance IYI Parti Victory Party Constitutional Court

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Archis Mohan is a journalist based in Delhi, India.
He has for nearly 20-years now written on an array of subjects, including diplomacy and politics.
He has worked for Hindustan Times, The Telegraph and Business Standard.

Zoramthanga, Guerrilla Fighter in the Political Jungle

11 Oct 2023  |  Rediff  |  English  |  Public Relations

At 79, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga is working to rebuild his image as the people's CM, highlighted by a public relations exercise during a hospital visit. The article discusses his efforts to regain public support ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, including addressing past controversies involving his daughter and leveraging the ongoing violence in Manipur. The political landscape in Mizoram is described, with the Congress forming alliances and the emergence of the Zoram People's Movement as a significant player. The MNF's stance on various issues, including the Uniform Civil Code and the Manipur ethnic strife, is also detailed.

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Zoram Nationalist Party Zoram People's Movement Bharatiya Janata Party Mizo National Front Congress National Democratic Alliance Mizoram Secular Alliance Mizoram People's Conference Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum

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While I was studying Atatürk University, Faculty of Communication, Department of Journalism, I did an internship at Bianet and BirGün Daily Newspaper (print). I have been working as a full-time reporter in BirGün Daily Newspaper (print) since 2016. My articles have been published in many magazines ...

Tension in the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Council

25 Nov 2021  |  www.hurriyet.com.tr  |  Turkish  |  Municipal Affairs

A debate occurred in the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Council over the allocation of a building for the Ottoman Archive Complex, which had been vetoed by Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. AK Party Council Member Muhammet Kaynar criticized the municipality for requesting 16 million lira in usage fees from the State Archives Presidency, which was countered by CHP Council Member Ülkü Sakalar. Tensions rose when İmamoğlu cut off Kaynar's microphone, leading to verbal disputes. AK Party Group Deputy Chairman Tevfik Göksu accused İmamoğlu of dismissing their group as unnecessary. The session continued after tensions eased, and the allocation of the Ottoman Archive Complex Service Building was approved with the insistence decision of CHP and MHP members.

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Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Republican People's Party (CHP) AK Party Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality State Archives Presidency

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Juan Salinas is a journalist based in Trujillo, La Libertad, Perú.

Support for 'Texit' is still low — but it's growing. What's behind the momentum?

22 Feb 2024  |  www.keranews.org  |  English  |  Federal Government

Support for Texas secession, or 'Texit,' remains low but is growing, driven by frustration with the federal government among some Texans. The Texas Nationalist Movement, which has been advocating for secession for nearly two decades, recently gathered 140,000 signatures to put the issue on the GOP primary ballot, though it was rejected by the state Republican party. The movement taps into a sentiment of state autonomy and dissatisfaction with national politics. Despite historical and legal challenges, proponents believe Texit could gain traction, with plans to reintroduce the Texas Independence Referendum Act in 2025. The article highlights the perspectives of various stakeholders, including political science experts and local politicians, on the implications and future of the secessionist movement.

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Republican Party Texas Nationalist Movement Pew Research Center U.S. Supreme Court Texas GOP Biden administration

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I am a video journalist and producer based in Lyon, France.
More than 15 years of experience reporting across all platforms. I write, produce and edit my own package.

My shooting equipments:
-Panasonic S5 IIX (high-end 6K full frame)
-DJI Ronin RS3
-Monitor Shinobi Atomos
-Sirui tripod
-...

Why have Turkey's local elections become a key national battle?

28 Mar 2019  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Turkish Local Elections

Turkey's local elections on March 31, 2019, represent a significant national battle and a test of support for President Erdogan since his re-election in June 2018. The elections could impact domestic policies and US-Turkish relations, particularly with regards to the Kurds in Syria. Economic recession, high inflation, and unemployment are key voter concerns. The ruling AKP faces challenges in key cities like Istanbul and Ankara, with polls suggesting potential losses. Two main alliances, the People’s Alliance (AKP and MHP) and the National Alliance (CHP and Good Party), are competing, with the pro-Kurdish HDP not naming candidates in major cities to support the opposition. The outcome of the Kurdish vote is seen as crucial.

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Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Good Party Republican People's Party (CHP) Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Justice and Development Party (AKP)

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I'm a journalist. editor and marketing communications professional based in Bengaluru, India. Over the past quarter century, I've written extensively on diverse subjects ranging from air shows to defence expos, parenting to politics, rock stars to religion, and reviewed cars, books and gadgets. But ...

The Curious Case Of The Missing Letter, And More

28 Oct 2024  |  stratnewsglobal.com  |  English  |  Terrorism

Bangladesh faces political turmoil as students demand the removal of President Mohammed Shahabuddin, accusing him of not seeing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation letter. The Anti-discrimination Student Movement leads protests, while the Bangladesh Nationalist Party warns against removing the president, fearing political instability. Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das highlights the constitutional ambiguities and the controversial release of convicted terrorists by the interim Yunus administration. The situation remains complex, with legal and political challenges looming.

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Bangladesh Nationalist Party Anti-discrimination Student Movement Yunus administration Ansarullah Bangla Team

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Menekse Tokyay is a journalist based in Ankara, Turkey. 

Since 2010, I am a Turkey correspondent and writer to many international outlets, including Southeastern European Times, Al Arabiya English, Arab News, International Business Times -UK, Business News Europe, Deutsche Welle, Washington Post ...

Ahead of May elections, Turkish opposition seek new plan

04 Mar 2023  |  www.arabnews.com  |  English  |  Political Crisis

The Turkish opposition is reevaluating its strategy for the upcoming May 14 national elections after the Good Party, a key member of the National Alliance, withdrew its support for the main opposition candidate, Kemal Kilicdaroglu. The Good Party's leader, Meral Aksener, has suggested alternative candidates, causing a rift within the opposition. Despite the economic crisis and the government's handling of recent earthquakes, President Erdogan appears better positioned for the elections. The opposition must now broaden its alliances and create a new strategy to appear capable of winning. The pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party's (HDP) stance is pivotal, as neither political camp can secure 50% of the votes without it. The elections are shaping up to be the most contested in Erdogan's 20-year rule.

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Kurdistan Workers’ Party Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Nationalist Movement Party Republican People’s Party (CHP) Good Party Teneo Intelligence Istanpol Institute

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