LOYALTY TO ECEVIT

Notwithstanding the November 2002 elections, which brought down the DSP-led government, the party doesn’t seem to be giving up. Ecevit’s address was not an emotional farewell speech, but mostly concerned Turkish foreign policy issues and the problems facing villages and villagers.

Although Ecevit had earlier expressed his preference that Zeki Sezer succeeded him as leader, he didn’t repeat this in his speech, but only gave general wishes of success for the DSP’s new head. But Ecevit’s endorsement was Sezer’s key asset, besides his honesty and diligence. Sezer’s strongest opponent was Sukru Sina Gurel, formerly Ecevit’s deputy premier. Gurel was aware that he had a tough job in front of him after Ecevit declared his choice. The election results also showed that Ecevit’s continuing influence: Sezer was chosen the new DSP leader with 576 votes, while Gurel got only 239. These votes could also be interpreted as a sign of loyalty to Ecevit, and the votes for Gurel could be a sign of a search for a new leadership among DSP delegates. If we consider that Gurel won these votes despite Ecevit, one can say that a hard process awaits Sezer.”