As Erdoğan hints at retirement, how has his rule shaped Turkey?
The statement, made at a meeting for the Turkish Youth Foundation, was not an official announcement by any means.
- The statement, made at a meeting for the Turkish Youth Foundation, was not an official announcement by any means.
- Rather, it was what appeared to be a frank statement communicated to a young party audience.
- Mincing words is not usually Erdoğan’s style; he can be quite direct and candid, which has been one of the key appeals of his charismatic personality.
- Understandably, response to the speech, both within and outside of Turkey, has so far been somewhat muted.
Erdoğan’s legacy
- It is perhaps too early to judge Erdoğan’s political legacy comprehensively.
- But his impact on the nation’s trajectory, its regional standing, social structures and government institutions has been undeniable.
- The two sides had a falling out and Erdoğan accused the movement of being behind the failed coup in 2016.
- From 2002 until the early 2010s, Turkey’s economy experienced unprecedented growth, fueled by increased foreign investment and large scale projects.
- The economic success of these years lifted millions into the middle class and led to higher living standards overall.
A Post-Erdoğan era?
- His son-in-law, Berat Albayrak, once touted as a clear frontrunner in the race to succeed him, has since left active politics.
- If a new president continues much of the similar policies and has a non-disruptive approach, then a peaceful transition is plausible.
- But Erdoğan’s party failing to concede a loss, or his voter base failing to recognize the results, may lead to a turbulent transition.
Yasar Bukan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.