What Lies Ahead for Turkey Under Erdogan

This article was last updated on May 29, 2023

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Turkey Floats on Financial Lifebuoys

The re-election of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has locked Turkey into its current path, which has worrying implications for many of its citizens. Erdogan’s victory speech immediately targeted the LGBTQ+ community, whilst his supporters clamoured for the execution of imprisoned Kurdish politician Selahattin Demirtas. Many concerts and music festivals are being cancelled under pressure from conservative groups and, for some, the path ahead leads towards an abyss.

Why Erdogan is More Popular Than Ever

Erdogan’s main opposition is the poor state of the Turkish economy, to which he has responded by directing policy towards mitigating the negative effects of interest rate cuts rather than tackling inflation with an increase in interest rates. Erdogan’s successes, however, are due to more than just economic policies. His supporters, often disadvantaged for decades, see ‘their man’ in power as crucial, with religious conservatism and Turkish nationalism offering a strong package. In addition, Turkey’s infrastructure has improved, and it is no longer subservient to the West.

Reporter Nick Augusteijn on Turkey

Nick Augusteijn is a reporter who has been living in Istanbul since 2017. He reports from Turkey and shares his thoughts on the recent re-election of Erdogan and what lies ahead for Turkey.

Sharp Drop in AK Party Vote

Erdogan’s party, the AKP, has seen its support fall sharply and without the support of smaller radical parties, he will not have a parliamentary majority. Working with these parties, such as the strict Islamic New Welfare Party and the ultra-conservative HUDA-PAR, will lead to confrontations.

A Month and Year Full of Symbolism

Election day, 28 May, marked ten years since the start of the Gezi Park protests that grew into a massive nationwide protest against Erdogan’s conservative policies. Anniversaries aside, the future of Turkey lies in achieving the vision of Erdogan and his supporters in their challenges to improve the economy while avoiding the need to seek extensive financial support.