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Turkey votes in new government

The left-wing government, led by Bulent Ecevit, is being formed by a small party, the Democratic Left, with the passive support of two larger, centre-right parties, Motherland and the True Path.

The government is due to take the country to an early general election in April, 20 months before they are formally due.

Short-lived reign

Mr Ecevit has set out a limited agenda, knowing that he'll only be in office for a matter of months. He dismisses speculation that the election due to be held in April will be postponed at the request of the Turkish military.

The Prime Minister says taking the country to the election in an atmosphere of peace and security is his most important task.

There is opposition to his government, notably from the pro-Islamist virtue party, which remains the largest in parliament.

The advantage for the Islamists is that they will be able to run for election once again as the outsiders in Turkish politics, hoping to attract anyone who wants to cast an anti-establishment vote.

Mr Ecevit will try to use his brief reign as evidence that he can run an efficient government.

He has already promised that he will not introduce populist economic measures which might gain him a temporary electoral advantage but which would damage the country in the long-term.

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Internet Links

Republic of turkey
The Turkish Daily News Online Home Page
Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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