Erdogan holds surprise confab with opposition

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan holds a surprise meeting with a senior figure from the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), as Turkey’s political forces weigh up coalition options after legislative elections.

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) lost its overall majority in Sunday’s polls, in what was seen as a major blow for Erdogan and the Islamic-rooted AKP which has ruled Turkey for the last 13 years.

The result has plunged Turkey into a period of political uncertainty unprecedented since the AKP came to power, with the country facing either a coalition government or early elections.

Erdogan, who has yet to speak in public about the results, held two hours of unannounced talks in Ankara with Deniz Baykal who was CHP leader until 2010 and retained his seat.

— AFP