The Guardian view on Turkey’s protests: a rejection of Erdoğan’s autocracy | Editorial
R.He is tens of thousands who have Transfer to the streets of Türkiye During the past week, not all supporters Ekrem ̇mamoğluPolitical rival, imprisoned for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. They are angry because they believe that the arrest of the Istanbul mayor is a turning point, as the country slides from authoritarian democracy to explicit tyranny.
The authorities have now arrested more than 1,400 demonstrators, including many Photographers. they Installation on coverage From the movement that Mr. Erdogan describes as “evil”, but is driven by anger at the cumulative political repression and the state of the economy.
The upcoming presidential elections are not due until 2028. But Mr. Emamoglu was arrested for the alleged corruption and terrorist ties last week – he was later accused in the previous issue – it could not have a more suspicious timing. came A few days ago The Chp party was his candidacy for the presidency. The night before his arrest, Istanbul University canceled a diploma; A degree is required to run for the presidency. Both movements are widely criticized as political motives.
The reaction of about 13 million people was by joining 1.7 million members of the Republican Party in his support as a candidate, according to the party. Mr. Erdogan was also the mayor of Istanbul, imprisoned – only for a political victory. However, this was in a more volatile political scene. On the other hand, Mr. Erdogan established power over two decades. He survived the bloc Gezi Park protests In 2013 and used The coup tried Three years after the launch of widespread cleansing, it strengthened its strength and crushing a wider opposition.
The boundaries of the term prevent him from running again in 2028. But fear is that he plans to do this either by changing the constitution or calling early elections. Founder of the PKK prison Abdullah Oaklan’s last call For the fighters who put weapons have raised questions about whether the government is trying to obtain support from a pro -men political party.
The ballot box was one of the last places where Turkish citizens could really have their opinion, even if opposing politicians – including Mr. Eamoglu – have often stumbled before and after the elections. People were angry at punitive inflation – and the government has now destroyed It reaches 25 billion dollars A lira stability due to this self -crisis. The image of Mr. Emamoglu also has also proven attractive to the conservative voters who had previously raged from his party. But Mr. Erdogan is supposed to hope that anger and economic situation will recede before the upcoming elections.
Another dimension of international time. Mr. Trump, who loves the powerful, just described Mr. Erdogan as a good leader. Europe is preoccupied with Ukraine and the abandonment of American security – where the latter means that it seeks more security cooperation with Ankara. The leaders were quick earlier to criticize Mr. Erdogan silent. However, European governments have influence if they choose to use it. They should.
At home, the Republican People’s Party says it turns from daily street protests to other means, such as Economic boycott. However, these protests witnessed an amazing alliance of the official political opposition and young people frustrated with their opinions and tactics. This relationship can disintegrate under these tensions. But their differences have proven fertile so far and may lead to a more spontaneous and less predictive movement and perhaps more successful than Mr. Erdogan.
Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you want to provide a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered to be published in our Messages Please section Click here.
