Turkey

Latest News

Maduro’s ties to Turkey could smooth path to possible exile - The Washington Post

Pope Leo says Erdogan talks focused on Gaza and Ukraine, sees Turkish role in peace efforts - Catholic News Agency

In first foreign visit, Pope Leo meets Erdogan, urges Turkey to uphold pluralism - AL-Monitor

Recep Tayyip Erdogan scapegoats Israel for unrest in region - The Jerusalem Post

Will a Turkish-Qatari Shield Protect the Muslim Brotherhood From Trump? - Haaretz

Quick Summary of Turkey & Recep Erdogan

Turkey’s political landscape has been dominated by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for over two decades, first as prime minister and later as president, during which he has consolidated power through constitutional changes and a crackdown on dissent. In recent years, opposition factions have repeatedly called for his impeachment or early elections, citing concerns over democratic backsliding, economic mismanagement, and allegations of corruption. However, Turkey’s political system, reshaped by a 2017 referendum that granted Erdoğan sweeping executive powers, lacks robust mechanisms for impeachment, making such efforts largely symbolic. The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) maintains a firm grip on parliament, while the judiciary and media face significant government influence, further diminishing prospects for accountability through conventional means. The most recent discussions around Erdoğan’s political future have centered on economic turmoil, including soaring inflation and a depreciating lira, which have fueled public discontent. While opposition leaders, such as Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), have accused Erdoğan of undermining democratic institutions, legal challenges remain unlikely to gain traction under the current system. Instead, attention has shifted to the 2028 presidential election, where Erdoğan’s approval ratings and the AKP’s ability to maintain its coalition will be tested. International observers continue to monitor Turkey’s trajectory, particularly its balancing act between NATO alliances and growing ties with authoritarian regimes, which further complicates the domestic political climate. For now, Erdoğan’s leadership appears secure, but economic pressures and simmering dissent ensure that debates over his legitimacy persist.