This looming showdown has given Ogun and his “ancestral alliance” a powerful ally, as both Erdogan and Kılıçdaroğlu saw the benefits of tapping into a wave of Turkish nationalism in the elections.
Erdogan has already aligned himself with the nationalist MHP as his main coalition partner, but support for his ruling AK Party has been declining. Indeed, the 69-year-old president ran a decidedly nationalistic campaign, emphasizing building the country’s military, defense industry and energy self-sufficiency. Similarly, Kılıçdaroğlu is teaming up with the nationalist Good Party in this year’s presidential election, hoping to capture Turkey’s “rally around the flag” spirit.
Oan may pledge loyalty either way, and is using that to keep both Erdogan and Kılıçdaroğlu guessing.
“From the beginning, the election will end in a second round, in which Turkish nationalists and Atatürk supporters will be the decision-makers,” he told reporters on the night the results came out. . modern Republic of Türkiye. “We said that Turkish nationalists would participate squarely in this election.”
Ojan, who hails from the far eastern city of Yedur near the Armenian border, is a fierce rebel in the nationalist movement. He is a former member of parliament who was expelled from the MHP, Erdogan’s nationalist ally. Strategically, he insists on the return of Syrian refugees and that no concessions should be given to Kurdish political parties linked to terrorist groups.
Before the election, he was blunt about the idea that there would be some reward, saying: Obviously, we’re not going to partner for free. We may also have ministry-like demands. ”
