Wires: Draft AKP Manifesto Marks Return To Orthodox Econ Policy-Sources

Wires reporting that according to four sources familiar with the matter, a draft election manifesto from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP) 'prioritises free market principles, marks [a] return to more orthodox economic policies.'

• Draft manifesto 'makes no reference to the new Turkey economic model which prioritises low rates, economic growth.'
• Sources: 'Erdogan seeks to overcome economic difficulties by giving a role to former deputy PM Mehmet Simsek.'
• Manifesto 'stresses fight against inflation, public sector accountability, transparency in tenders.'

The change in stance would mark a major about turn from Erdogan, whose unorthodox economic policies have seen market sentiment weaken towards Turkey in recent years. The points related to public sector accountability and tender transparency likely an effort to get on the front foot politically in response to major criticism of the gov't in the wake of the massive earthquakes that hit southern Turkey in February. Critics have argued lax regulation and corruption in building construction contributed to the high casualty toll.

• Early opinion polling shows Erdogan trailing the joint opposition candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu in the race for the presidency (election in May).