The main opposition leader, Deniz Baykal, has at times seemed even keener on a coup than are the generals themselves.

ECONOMIST: Turkey and its generals

Deniz Baykal, the leader of the Republican People's Party, spends most of his time attacking laws that could help Turkey's bid for EU membership.

ECONOMIST: Turkey and the West

Last year Deniz Baykal was forced out of the CHP leadership after a video surfaced purportedly showing him and his mistress padding about in their underpants.

ECONOMIST: Turkish sex scandals: Feeling blue | The