ISTANBUL—A former ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has launched a new political party, casting himself as a democratic alternative to Turkey’s increasingly authoritarian ruler and threatening to dent his flailing support.
Ahmet Davutoglu, a prime minister from 2014 to 2016, broke ranks with Mr. Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party this summer, saying on Friday he would support political and press freedom, eliminate arbitrary detentions and forge an impartial judicial system. He criticized what he labeled as Mr. Erdogan’s autocratic and nepotistic ways, without mentioning him by name.
“Those who govern Turkey have no other agenda than clinging to power,” Mr. Davutoglu said in a speech in Ankara, the capital city.