The Good Party (Iyi Parti) was established as a reaction to the Nationalist Movement Party’s (MHP) alliance with the AK Party, attracting MHP members who dissented from this direction, including prominent nationalist figures such as Meral Akşener, Ümit Özdağ, and Koray Aydın. These individuals opposed Devlet Bahçeli’s leadership since he succeeded Alparslan Türkeş, the MHP’s original leader, in 1997.
Notably, the party’s inception wasn’t limited to nationalist ideology. Meral Akşener, despite her nationalist beginnings, also has roots in the centre- right DYP and was involved in the early formation of the AK Party, although she ultimately did not join (Birgün, 2024). This reflects the Good Party’s broader ideological pursuit, mirroring Akşener’s diverse political journey.
The Good Party’s foundation saw the convergence of individuals from various political backgrounds, including the AK Party, CHP, DSP, and Welfare Party, alongside technocrats like the former Central Bank Governor Durmuş Yılmaz (Halk TV, 2017). This blend positioned the Good Party as a liberal, catch- all entity under nationalist leadership.
Türkiye’s political landscape, known for the emergence and disappearance of numerous parties, posed a challenging arena for the Good Party. Nonetheless, it distinguished itself by securing 10% of the votes in its debut election, although it struggled to meet its ambitious goals subsequently. The 2024 local elections represent a critical juncture for the party, marking its first electoral foray independent of any alliance since its inception, especially after a tumultuous period post-May 2023 elections, involving internal strife and tension with former allies.
The Good Party’s primary challenge has been an ongoing identity crisis, grappling with its nationalist foundation while striving to attract a broader, centre-right constituency. This balancing act continues amid speculation about the party’s potential shift towards more right-wing ideologies.
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