Turkish nationalist's resignation adds to pressure on veteran leader


Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli addresses his party MPs during a meeting at the Turkish parliament in Ankara, Turkey, June 14, 2016. REUTERS/Umit Bektas

ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey's nationalist opposition leader faced a growing challenge on Thursday after a veteran party member resigned from his parliamentary role, strengthening party dissidents who see his continued leadership as a block to their electoral support.

Party rebels blame slipping support for the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) on Devlet Bahceli, 68, whom they see as a dour figure unable to tap into nationalist sentiments that have swollen the popularity of President Tayyip Erdogan.

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