Major political party gatherings in Turkey face possible cancellation amid coronavirus threat

Three of Turkey's political parties have either cancelled, pondered cancelling or have taken preventative measures regarding their upcoming events light of the first coronavirus case announced in Turkey early on March 10. Meanwhile, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) decided to forbid entry of children and elderly people into their group parliamentary meetings.

Duvar English 

Three of Turkey's political parties have either cancelled, pondered cancelling or have taken preventative measures regarding their upcoming events light of the first coronavirus case announced in Turkey early on March 10.

The far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) announced that is has postponed a meeting of the party's mayors that was to be held between March 27-30 in light of the coronavirus news. 

The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) has its 37th Ordinary Congress scheduled for March 28-29, though party spokesman Faik Öztrak said that they were waiting for cues from the Ministry of Health as to whether or nor they should postpone the congress. 

“Our country is under a serious threat. We are closely following the Ministry of Health's precautions. In terms of limiting the attendance of the congress or postponing it we will do what is necessary. However. our greatest wish and request is that the congress not be postponed,” Öztrak said.

The pro-Kurdish People's Democratic Party (HDP) announced on Thursday that they would be conducting a press conference on Friday regarding whether or not the upcoming Newruz spring festival ceremonies, which often draw crowds of thousands in southeastern cities such as Diyarbakır, would be be cancelled as a result of the Coronavirus threat. 

File photo: President Erdoğan in his party group's parliamentary meeting.

Meanwhile, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) decided to forbid entry of children and elderly people into their group parliamentary meetings, and also have banned guests from entering the restaurant in the parliament where deputies dine.