Erdogan’s Authoritarian Shift: A Strategic Move Amidst Geopolitical Changes
President Erdogan of Turkey has escalated his authoritarian grip, exemplified by the arrest of opposition leader Ekrem Imamoglu. This move comes at a pivotal moment, coinciding with geopolitical shifts that bolster Erdogan’s position ahead of the 2028 elections. His strategic use of Turkey’s importance to the West allows him to navigate challenges without significant pushback.
Turkey’s strategic importance to the West has allowed President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to adopt increasingly authoritarian measures without significant repercussions. Erdogan once compared democracy to a bus, suggesting that leaders may abandon democratic principles after achieving their goals. This sentiment seems to resonate with his recent political maneuvers, particularly the recent arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent opposition figure and Istanbul’s mayor, on corruption charges.
The timing of Imamoglu’s detention is critical; it follows both the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria and the potential return of Donald Trump to U.S. politics. This context provides Erdogan with a strategic advantage, as it allows him to address a turbulent political climate and manage a struggling economy leading up to the 2028 presidential elections. By suppressing dissent now, he can aim to stabilize his rule and maintain power, leveraging Turkey’s geopolitical relevance.
The article highlights how President Erdogan’s consolidation of power is facilitated by Turkey’s critical role for the West. By equating democracy to a means to an end, he has taken steps to secure his leadership while timing controversial actions to his advantage. The arrest of opposition leader Ekrem Imamoglu symbolizes the extent of Erdogan’s control as he positions himself ahead of the 2028 elections.
Original Source: www.thetimes.com
