A Rival for Erdogan Emerges as Opposition Parties Pick a Candidate
New York TimesDec 23, 2022
Turkey’s Opposition Names Kılıçdaroğlu as Presidential Candidate
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Image copyright: Anadolu [via Al Jazeera]
The Facts
Turkey's six-party alliance has named Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, leader of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), as their joint candidate for the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections on May 14.
Kılıçdaroğlu was picked as the opposition seeks to oust Pres. Erdoğan after a two-decade reign. "Our table is the table of peace. Our only goal is to take the country to days of prosperity, peace, and joy," he told 2K people gathered in Ankara.
The Spin
Narrative A
Kılıçdaroğlu's nomination isn't the show of force the opposition needs. It took months, 12 high-profile meetings, and very public infighting for them to decide on him as their presidential candidate. Although the six parties finally agreed, they've revealed just how fragile the opposition bloc is — leaving Kılıçdaroğlu vulnerable to attacks by Erdoğan.
Narrative B
Kılıçdaroğlu is a strong candidate that represents diverse political forces. He has vowed to restore democracy if elected, and will be a very different president than the incumbent, who has damaged the country's economy — with inflation as high as 85% last year — and pushed the nation to the brink of authoritarianism. The coalition no doubt faces challenges, but this election is a prime opportunity to remove Erdoğan from power.
