Turkey's hegemonic party system is being sought, claims opposition leader

Zafer Party Chairman Ümit Özdağ has accused the ruling AK Party of attempting to establish a hegemonic party system in Turkey, which he claims would cripple democratic processes and turn other political parties into mere satellites.

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What is being attempted is clear: to bring the AK Party to the position of a hegemonic party in Turkey. In countries with hegemonic parties, other political parties become satellite political parties. There is no possibility for the opposition to win.

Speaking at a press conference in Isparta, Özdağ stated that such a system would eliminate any possibility for the opposition to win, effectively making elections a mere formality. He warned that this move constitutes a crime against Turkish democracy and the constitution, asserting that Turkey will not become another North Korea, China, or East Germany. Özdağ specifically criticized the judiciary's actions regarding the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), calling the move to change its leadership a "legal assassination" and a result of political interference.

Özdağ also drew attention to the severe economic struggles faced by ordinary Turks. He described a "fire in the kitchen," indicating widespread poverty and hardship. According to Özdağ, while a small minority is increasing their wealth, 90% of the Turkish population is becoming poorer. He shared his observations from visits with local shopkeepers in Isparta, who he said are "crying blood" due to a drastic decline in business. Shopkeepers reported making only a third of last year's revenue, with 2026 anticipated to be the worst year for their businesses.

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There is an absolute fire in the kitchen. The Turkish people are hungry, hungry. While a small minority increases their income every day, ninety percent of the Turkish people continue to become poorer.

The Zafer Party leader argued that the government is failing to address the economic crisis, showing no interest in improving the welfare of the Turkish people, creating new jobs, or boosting production. He concluded that there is no way out of the current crisis with the AK Party in power, suggesting that escaping the crisis requires removing the AK Party.

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The shopkeepers are crying blood. They can't do business. They said they are doing a third of the business they did last year.