The Justice Party comes to power in Turkey

Historical Importance and Background

On December 13, 1963, the Justice Party came to power in Turkey, taking over the government from the Republican People's Party (CHP). This was the first time since the multi-party system in Turkey that a party other than the CHP took over the government.

The 1960s were a period of political and social changes in Turkey. The changes in the post-World War II world order were also affecting Turkey. During this period, Turkey experienced a political transformation with the CHP coming to power after the Democratic Party (DP) government. However, the long tenure of the CHP in power led to criticism that it failed to meet the demands for change in society.

The coming to power of the Justice Party brought about a change in the political balance in Turkey. This event is a turning point that demonstrates the strength of the multi-party system in Turkish politics. The Justice Party's rise to power is considered an important step in Turkey's democratization process.

Development of the Event

Progress Towards Power

The Justice Party was founded after the adoption of the 1961 Constitution. The party represented the center-right and conservative voter base. It initially achieved a strong result in the 1961 general elections and sent a significant number of members to the parliament. This success was an indication of the party's progress towards power.

Assumption of Government

In the elections held on December 13, 1963, the Justice Party surpassed the CHP and came to power. With this election result, the leader of the Justice Party, İsmet İnönü, became the new prime minister of Turkey. This event marked the first time that a party other than the CHP took over the government in Turkey.

Changes in Domestic and Foreign Policy

With the assumption of power by the Justice Party, significant changes took place in domestic and foreign policy in Turkey. In domestic policy, the party implemented various reforms to promote economic growth and social development. Additionally, the party took steps aimed at freeing the political atmosphere from repression and advancing democratization.

In foreign policy, the Justice Party aimed to strengthen Turkey's relations with the West and maintain its commitment to NATO. The party also made an application for full membership in the European Economic Community (now the European Union) on behalf of Turkey.

Results and Effects

The Justice Party's rise to power had significant consequences in the Turkish political system and society. In the short term, the party government promoted economic growth and implemented reforms to achieve social development. Additionally, the party took steps to accelerate the process of democratization.

In the long term, the Justice Party's assumption of power became a turning point that demonstrated the strength of the multi-party system in Turkey. This event is considered an important step in Turkey's democratization process. The Justice Party's rise to power showed other political parties and voters that power can be changed democratically.

The event also brought about social and political changes. The Justice Party era brought new discussions and ideas to the political atmosphere. Power balances shifted in society, and belief in democracy increased.

Historical Importance and Reflections to the Present

The historical significance of the Justice Party's rise to power is still felt today. This event contributed to the democratization process of Turkish politics and showed the strengthening of the multi-party system. The idea that the government can be changed democratically in Turkey was further solidified during this period.

Additionally, the Justice Party's assumption of power led to significant changes in Turkey's domestic and foreign policies. The reforms implemented during this period contributed to Turkey's economic and social development. At the same time, Turkey's relations with the West were strengthened, increasing its influence internationally.

The lessons drawn from the Justice Party's assumption of power remain relevant today. This event demonstrates the importance of building relationships between political parties and voters on democratic foundations in Turkey. It also emphasizes the need for the continuous process of democratization.