Iyi Parti

İYİ Parti: Turkey's Nationalist Kemalist Movement

Founding and Leadership

İYİ Parti (Good Party) is a nationalist and Kemalist political party established in Turkey on October 25, 2017. Led by Meral Akşener, a former Minister of Interior and Deputy Prime Minister, the party espouses a nationalist agenda grounded in the principles of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the modern Turkish state.

Ideology and Policies

İYİ Parti adopts a conservative and nationalist ideology, emphasizing national sovereignty, a strong state, and the preservation of Turkish values. The party advocates for a reduced role of the state in the economy, while supporting policies to protect the interests of small businesses and working-class citizens.

Electoral Performance

Since its founding, İYİ Parti has made a significant impact on Turkish politics. In the 2018 parliamentary elections, the party won 43 seats in the Grand National Assembly, becoming the third-largest parliamentary group. In the 2019 local elections, İYİ Parti achieved notable success, winning mayoral races in several major cities, including Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya.

Political Significance

İYİ Parti's emergence has reshaped the Turkish political landscape, providing a platform for nationalist and Kemalist voters. The party's strong opposition to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's government has made it a key player in the country's political dynamics, contributing to the growing polarization of Turkish society.