Turkish President Erdoğan’s grip on power threatened by devastating earthquake
The ConversationJUL 2023
Soaring inflation, a weaker lira, and the deadly earthquake have led to a political maelstrom that could cost incumbent and frontrunner Erdoğan a political victory — a scenario in which a peaceful transfer of power is uncertain. While Western leaders should temper expectations, his removal would be the best hope for Turkey to correct its course.
The opposition, which struggled to unite under a single presidential candidate, is no reassurance for Turkish voters. What Turkey currently needs is a strong leader to rebuild after the earthquake disaster and guide the country through a difficult period, which is exactly what Erdoğan will continue to do.