Ex-minister quits Turkey ruling party in blow to Erdogan

Turkey’s former economy minister Ali Babacan reigns in a blow to ruling AKP led by President Recep Tayep Erdogan on Monday.

According to reports of Baaghitv, Ali Babacan, who was the founding member of ruling Justice and Development Party, parted was with the AKD citing ‘deep differences’ on the direction of government and said Turkey is in dire need of vision.

He served as the economy minister from 2002 to 2007 during which he was viewed as the man with formulating sensible economic policies.

He spoke ill of present policies of government and said, “Under the current circumstances, a brand new vision for the future is needed for Turkey,” calling for “new strategies, plans and programmes”.

Rumors have it Babacan will set up his own political party and AKP MPs could leave to join him. Babacan appeared to confirm the rumours, insisting a “new effort” was “inevitable” for Turkey’s future.