This singular DEM victory cannot overshadow the political program Erdogan has ahead of him. Despite having already enacted significant reforms and diplomatic efforts during years spent in power, the Turkish leader is set to make a historic visit to Iraq, host the German president, and meet with Russia’s Vladimir Putin. Erdogan is continuing to lead Turkey by establishing ever stronger relations with key international players, as well as by achieving domestic legislative reform.
After roughly a decade at the top of Turkish politics, it’s clear that Erdogan’s time has run out. Support for DEM opponents reflects growing distaste for Erdogan’s authoritarian antics and censorship. Despite a convincing economic record in the 2000s, and residual loyalty from some over the president’s image as a hero of an abandoned Turkish underclass, the regime is unquestionably in trouble.