TURKEY: Ecevit Gets a Reprieve

But his government faces a troubled summer

Amid fistfights and catcalls at a tumultuous joint session, the Turkish Parliament last week voted 319 to 252 to extend martial law for two months in 19 provinces. Under the circumstances, the margin of victory was surprisingly high: only two days earlier, the government of Premier Bülent Ecevit narrowly survived a censure vote by boycotting a session of the lower house, thereby preventing a quorum. With just 209 seats in the 450-member lower house, Ecevit's Republican People's Party depends on the uncertain support of independents to...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!