مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - THE MOTHERLAND PARTY AS A CATCH-ALL PARTY IN TURKISH POLITICAL LIFE (1983-1989)

Abstract :

Political parties have been the subject of many academic studies as they are important actors of modern political systems. Given their decisive position in the new world order constituted particularly following the World War II, the systematic classification of political parties has become an emphasized topic. An original classification in this context belongs to German political scientist Otto Kirchheimer. Kirchheimer s most original contribution to political party typologies is his category of a “catch-all party”. Embedded deeply in the contention that parties have undergone a process of transformation, the idea of a catch-all party has emerged as a political entity doing away with solid ideological attitudes, embracing large segments of the community with a flexible rhetoric, and targeting the highest number of votes with its charismatic and powerful leader. The current study assumes that the Motherland Party (ANAP), an important political body within Turkish political life, is a catch-all type of political party. This assumption is supported by a descriptive and historical analysis of the party program, the primary party regulation, the founding leader Turgut Özal s discourse and actions with a particular view to the specific political context of the period. This study argues that ANAP has been a catch-all party from its foundation to Özal s break-away for presidency.