Ecevit, Former Turkish Prime Minister, Dead at 81

Bulent Ecevit, until recently leader of the DSP and an important politician from the 70's until his party's large defeat in the most recent elections, died at a hospital in Ankara yesterday. He had been in a coma due to a stroke since May of this year.

To me Ecevit has always been one of the most interesting Turkish politicians. My father has told me about how he at one point, in the late 70's/early 80's thought Ecevit was the only politician in Turkey who had a vision for the country. He had represented the hopes of many, and his influence in the politics of the country helped steer Turkey in a more secular and liberal direction. We can thank Ecevit for authorizing trade unions and giving workers the right to strike. His mix of liberalism and nationalism was extremely appealing to many Turkish voters.

Unfortunately, Ecevit lost touch with the public in his last years in office. He refused to step down, despite his old age, declining health, and the fact that many blamed the economic crisis on him. Many joked that Ecevit was becoming senile. Ecevit failed again when the threat of the AKP become apparent. He refused to form a liberal coalition and many members of the DSP resigned the party and created the Yeni Turkiye Parti (New Turkey Party), attempting to form a coalition themselves (an effort which also failed). This turmoil allowed the AKP to take control of the government, and could be remembered as Ecevit's legacy as the new government may take Turkey in a completely new direction.

To many Ecevit was a beacon of hope, a leader with the vision to get Turkey into the European fold. Unfortunately, Ecevit accomplished much, but in the end his failure is what will probably be remembered most. Hopefully someone with Ecevit's vision will come along again and lead us to the Turkey he promised us.