Turkey’s Erdogan wins an electoral test of 20-year rule. President Tayyip Erdogan won a mandate to continue authoritarian policies that have polarized Turkey and increased its military might.
Kemal Kilicdaroglu, his opponent, dubbed it “the most unfair election in years” but accepted the result.
Kilicdaroglu’s 47.9% to Erdogan’s 52.1% result indicated a sharply divided nation.
After a cost-of-living issue lowered Erdogan’s popularity, the opposition believed it had a good chance of unseating and reversing his policies.
After rewriting domestic, economic, security, and international policies in the 85-million-person NATO member country, success bolstered his invincibility.
Opponents who accused him of destroying democracy as he gained power were devastated by the possibility of five more years of his rule.
Erdogan promised to unite around national ideals and dreams in a victory address in Ankara. Still, he immediately lashed out at the opposition and accused Kilicdaroglu of cooperating with terrorists without evidence.
Under his rule, Selahattin Demirtas, a “terrorist,” would not be released.
Inflation was Erdogan’s top concern.
Turkey’s NATO partners, frightened by Erdogan’s closeness to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who praised his “dear friend” Kilicdaroglu, will certainly grieve his defeat.
President Joe Biden tweeted: “I look forward to continuing to work together as NATO Allies on bilateral issues and shared global challenges.”
Erdogan’s opposition to Sweden joining NATO, Ankara’s tight alliance with Moscow, and Syria disputes have hampered U.S.-Turkey relations.
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