CHP's Baykal: "now we must focus on the economy"

Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal yesterday visited the Antalya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ATSO) and newly elected Antalya Mayor Mustafa Akaydin. Asked whether the ruling party's relatively weak performance in the recent local elections would trigger early general elections, Baykal said, "Turkey is in an economic crisis … In such an atmosphere, as the main opposition party, we think that leaving Turkey's agenda up to political debates is inappropriate. Turkey should address its real agenda and carry out proposals for the economy. It would be a grave mistake for us to derail such plans. I expect the ruling party to take action to address Turkey's needs."