Serdar Denktaş: “I Will Do Whatever It Takes to Prevent Tatar from Winning”

Speaking to KANAL SİM, Denktaş made a series of striking remarks. He confirmed that the new political party he is forming will be established before 15 July and that the party will support a candidate “other than Tatar” in the next presidential election.

Return to Politics Amid Political Decline

Denktaş explained that he decided to return to politics due to the worsening political situation, which he warned could lead to “disaster” if left unchecked. He said he previously attempted to unite parties outside the UBP and CTP under a single platform, similar to the 1990 DMP model, but the effort failed due to resistance from one particular party.

He added that he and his close associates are now proceeding with the formation of a new centrist party, which will include well-known public figures and approximately 100 to 120 founding members. He noted that the name of the party is still under discussion, with 12 to 13 suggestions currently on the table.

Criticism of the DP and Political System

Reflecting on his former party, the Democratic Party (DP), Denktaş said the party no longer represents the values with which it was founded, describing it as “policyless, aimless, and increasingly associated with irregularities.” He claimed several of his close associates were excluded from the DP and that his proposals to the party leadership were ignored.

He also criticized the current government, stating, “No conscious decisions are being made. Demands from Ankara are being passed in parliament without question. It’s chaos—there’s a lack of knowledge of the state, a collapsed bureaucracy, and no action is being taken on crucial issues like property rights.”

Rebuttal of Accusations and Media Attacks

Denktaş addressed several allegations made against him since announcing his return to politics, including accusations of bribery and being a nightclub owner. He firmly denied the claims and challenged anyone with evidence to come forward during a public appearance he scheduled in Sarayönü, Nicosia.

He labelled the nightclub accusation “a despicable slander” stemming from a friendship with a childhood acquaintance who owns such an establishment. He claimed the attacks were part of a coordinated smear campaign carried out by organized groups using fake social media accounts.

On the Collapse of the Four-Party Coalition

Denktaş praised the former four-party coalition government and blamed its collapse on Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay and then-Foreign Minister Kudret Özersay, who, according to Denktaş, was promised joint support for a presidential candidacy. He noted that the government had managed to finance key expenditures, including military spending, with domestic resources—a move that was not welcomed.

He added that he does not understand why the ruling AKP in Turkey views him as a problem, saying, “I don’t know what the issue with me is.” He also criticized what he described as a recent invitation for Turkish political interference by the current government, calling for it to stop.

Firm Opposition to Tatar’s Re-election

Denktaş reiterated his opposition to Ersin Tatar’s presidency and questioned Tatar’s self-identification as a student of Rauf Denktaş, stating, “They spoke no more than five times.” Emphasizing his firm stance, he said, “He does not represent me. My vote will never go to him. I will do whatever it takes to prevent him from winning.” He concluded by affirming that his new party will evaluate candidates and support an alternative to Tatar.