Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey, took a major loss Monday when CHP, the main opposition party, romped in local elections. CHP held on to the mayorship of Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city with 20% of the population (and Erdogan’s former stomping ground). They also won in Ankara and several other major cities, running on a theme of democracy, among other things.
One of the biggest ramifications is that Erdogan’s two decade hold on the reins of power may eventually reach an end.
During the election campaign, Mr Erdogan said this would be his last, because his presidential term ends in 2028.
But critics believed that victory would have encouraged him to revise the constitution so he could stand again. After such a dramatic defeat that is looking very unlikely.
Erdogan’s legacy has been complex, which is perhaps appropriate for a person and a nation sitting at the crossroads of so many political, military and religious relationships. His evident authoritarian bent and constant attempts to increase his own power are alarming. His support of Hamas and meddling in Syria have cost countless lives and damaged American interests around the world, to say nothing of his treatment of Kurds.
If there’s anything positive to say, it’s that his vocal support of Ukraine has been welcome, whether by exfiltrating Ukrainian POWs or providing baryaktars and other weapons.
What do you think about Erdogan, and the consequences of the election?
