Even before the main ⁢opposition candidate secured his party’s nomination for the presidential candidacy,scrutiny intensified. ​Efforts to undermine his reputation reportedly began when he first expressed ‍his ambitions. Although ‍elections are not planned for another three years, the rising popularity of a potential challenger has seemingly made Erdogan uneasy.

According to a‌ foreign policy expert, presidential elections – which coudl occur sooner than 2028 – pose a significant threat​ to Erdogan’s power. Recent events in Turkey are viewed consequently of this ​dynamic.

the expert stated,”He ⁢is the strongest⁤ rival of Erdogan who could actually challenge his power.”

He is a very charismatic leader, ‍very popular and is able to reach out to different parts of society ⁢– he is able to talk to non-religious people, Kurds and conservatives. That’s ⁢why Erdogan is afraid to compete with him.

Reports indicate that ‍Turkish ‌prosecutors have pursued charges against the potential‍ challenger. Sources suggest his growing popularity in surveys is the ‍primary reason for the legal challenges.

The individual ​triumphed⁢ in Istanbul’s mayoral ​elections in 2019 and aided the​ opposition in defeating⁤ Erdogan’s party in local elections last year, marking its first defeat in over 20 years. He is currently a frontrunner in opinion polls. His electoral successes have been cited as evidence of Turkish⁢ democracy in action.

While not yet convicted, efforts have been made to challenge his eligibility, including questioning the validity of his university ⁤diploma, a prerequisite for presidential candidacy.

Erdogan has been accused of centralizing⁣ power and undermining the rule of law, transforming Turkey from a democracy into a competitive authoritarianism where elections are held but are not considered fair.

the expert noted, “Global events and geopolitics are definitely playing a role… It’s like a ​green light⁤ for him from the White house.”

europe,⁢ which is left without ⁤US support, now needs strong military power as turkey, so ​they do not really⁤ respond.

the expert added that previous U.S. administrations had been critical of Turkey’s undemocratic practices, a long-standing issue in the relationship between the two countries.

Europe, too, is reportedly hesitant to jeopardize Turkish ‍support, resulting in a more muted response compared to previous instances of similar actions.

Thus,⁣ everything that holds Turkey for democracy is currently a society that is ⁣not ready to give up in front of the pressure.

The ⁣expert concluded, “At the⁤ moment,‌ we are at ⁣a point where there is no‌ law in Turkey, no independent institutions, no power division.There is only a Turkish ‌society… and in ⁣such autocratic modes, the chances of a folk uprising ⁣are ⁣low. And Erdogan is aware of it.”

Despite the current challenges, the expert emphasized the resilience of Turkish society and its commitment to its democratic heritage.