Fikri Ataoğlu: Early General Election Should Be Held After Budget Approval

Speaking on the program Manşet+, Ataoğlu stressed that the DP is always ready “as if an election were tomorrow,” but that priority must be given to solving the country’s problems and keeping the economy running.

Ataoğlu noted that local elections are scheduled for December 2026 and argued that holding a general election before then would prevent two major votes from taking place back-to-back. “We are focused on supporting our chosen candidate in the presidential election on October 19. After that, the general election should be held at a date that does not disrupt the economy and allows the budget to pass first,” he said.

He added that work is underway in parliament to pass laws agreed upon by both the government and opposition, with the aim of addressing issues that directly impact citizens once the legislature reconvenes on October 1.

Ataoğlu also said the DP would propose switching from the current nationwide mixed-voting system to a six-district voting system in the next general election.

Turning to his ministerial portfolio, Ataoğlu highlighted tourism as the backbone of the economy, noting that flight incentives introduced in May have already begun to pay off. He expressed confidence that the number of visitors will rise next summer and emphasized that the tourism sector is ready to absorb all quality domestic production.