“The results show that despite the worst economic conditions since the 2001 financial crisis, a president can deploy identity politics and win,” said Eurasia Group, a European director at the consultancy. Emre Peker told Politico, referring to the financial crisis that led to the rise of Erdoğan’s government more than 20 years ago.
The president’s critics say his victory reflects his control over the nation’s resources. They say he is trying to make the country more authoritarian by controlling much of the media and imprisoning opposition and civil society leaders. Many opposition groups fear that if Erdogan remains in power for another five years, it could deal a devastating blow to Turkey’s democracy.
Selin Naci, a foreign policy expert at the Ankara Policy Center, predicts a difficult period for domestic opposition voices after Erdogan’s victory.
“Reelected as president, Erdogan will use this power to further strengthen his one-man rule and eliminate any remnants of institutions that provide checks and balances,” she told POLITICO. .
Supporters of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan counter that the vote reflects the Turkish public’s assessment of his 20-year tenure, first as prime minister and then as president.
They argue that the country is much stronger than it was 20 years ago, thanks to economic growth, improved infrastructure and a more active role in world affairs, and that even with Turkey’s statehood Regardless, the president says he is not afraid to take a course independent of the West. Member of NATO.
