Opposition seeks candidate against Erdogan

No other president in recent years has so often occupied German media leaders as Turkish President Recep Tayip Erdoğan. That's also because of his rhetoric disputed in foreign policy. Erdogan, who has been ruling in Turkey for 20 years, first as prime minister, by 2018 as president turned the Turkish parliamentary system into presidential system. Previously, the presidency had only symbolic function, today it is referred to “Palatin” as the centre of power. Erdogan's policy has left a deep impression on Turkey and will continue to do so in the future.

June 18th 2023 elections, however, Erdogan will not have it easy, although recently Turkey's damaged image has improved because of the successful mediating role in the Ukraine war. For Erdogan's inner image, you cannot say that. According to an opinion institute poll, Yöneym 58,7% of Turks “would in no case vote on Erdogan”. Only 30% of voters would vote “s in any case. ”

Opposition: one for all for one

After several years of effort, the opposition recently managed to join. A notion of „Altılılı now circulates in Turkish politics Massa“, which means “times 6th”, consisting of 6 political parties whose co-operation was not even thought of. At this table have the Social Democrat- Kemalist opposition party sitting, the Republican People's Party, the CHP, the nationalist party ⇩-, the Islamic party, Saadet, the democratic party, The traditiond DP, but without any important role, as well as two other parties created by former Erdogan associates. That of former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutog, the Gelecek party and former Finance Minister Ali Babacan's party, DEVA.

The main objective of the 6th table is victory in elections and return to the parliamentary system. In the Yöneyem poll, 65% of respondents have indicated a parliamentary system. Also, 63% of Turkish citizens agree that Turkey “is misgoverning”. Opposition parties appear to be in accordance with public, united opinion want to step up in electoral battles next year against AKP's. But the HDP party is missing here. One of the largest opposition parties, the democratic party of peoples appointed by the Kurds, does not join the opposition table. The HDP is expected to support the opposition candidate officially, as in the past. Theoretically, it is possible for some candidates against Erdogan to appear, is expected to come up with a common candidate. But who would challenge Erdogan?

Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu

The candidate may be Kılıcdaroğlu, a former official, and by 2010. He became famous when he appeared on television with a pile of documents to try corruption in the country. His popularity grew, and he later replaced Denzi Baykal. As leader of the largest opposition party, he is the leader of potential candidates to come up against Erodgan. Even with his public appearance he'd be ready for this responsibility. But there are many critics who say, he is not the proper candidate. Many observers say it is not as impressive as emerging as counterweight for Erdogan.

Ekrem finished

Even the Istanbul winner Ekrem ãoğlu speaks as a candidate. In the eyes of many observers, the mayor of Istanbul represents functioning democracy in Turkey despite difficulties. ãoğlu regained elections even after the AKP's complaint in 2019 that succeeded in making the decision to repeat them. In the new round, afraidoğlu even increased the distance of victory against AKP. He is seen as a politician who is preferred to all levels of Turkish society, and supporters of various ideologyes, but even ãoğlu is opposed. In Turkish opinion he has been highly criticised, which he has been on vacation at a time of continuing crises and disasters in recent years in the country.

Mansur Yavaş

National-oriented Yavaş, like ãoğlu in the municipal elections in 2019, was elected mayor for Ankara. He has been a member of the nationalist party for years, The MHP, which currently coalitions with the government and serves as a factor for the AKP majority. Because Yavaş is considered a nationalist-Turkish politician for Kurdish voters, he would not be the ideal candidate. But it is not excluded for Kurds to vote strategically as well. Kurds' votes play an important role in Turkey. In addition to in Ankara's municipal council, The AKP has a majority, as well as in Istanbul.

Party Chairman dealt with the only woman at the 6th table, Meral Akşener, recently stressed that the candidate who is “capable of winning” will be determined. It has signalled the support of its party candidate Yavaş. Regardless, who is elected at the end as the opposition candidate this time he has a greater chance against Erdogan, as long as he turns out alone against the president. / DW