Recep Tayyip Erdogan has extended his two-decade rule in Turkey after winning the runoff of the presidential elections on Sunday, obtaining a mandate to continue his increasingly authoritarian governance, which has caused polarization within the country but strengthened Turkey's military position in the region.
Erdogan's opponent, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, described the elections as "the most unfair elections in years" but did not contest the result. Despite his loss, official results showed that Kilicdaroglu garnered approximately 47.9 percent of the votes, indicating a significant division within the country. Kilicdaroglu stated that he would continue to lead the struggle, lamenting that he lost what he called "the most unfair elections in years" against the current president. He added that the results reflected a desire among the people for change in the authoritarian government and expressed sorrow over the "challenges" Turkey would face.
Meral Aksener, leader of the opposition Good Party, congratulated Erdogan on his victory but stated she would continue her path as an opposition leader. Aksener remarked that the results showed a significant lesson that Erdogan needed to learn, hoping that he would become a president for all Turks.
The Turkish lira fell to 20.05 against the dollar upon Erdogan's victory announcement, very close to its record low of 20.06 reached against the US currency on Friday. The lira has declined by more than six percent since the beginning of the year.
The elections were seen as one of the most significant in the country, with the opposition believing it had a strong chance to oust Erdogan after his popularity suffered due to the cost of living crisis. Erdogan's win for another five years in power is a major blow to his Turkish rivals, who accuse him of steadily undermining their democracy as he gains more power, a charge he denies.
However, his victory reinforces his image as an invincible leader, having already reshaped the country's domestic, economic, security, and foreign policies in the NATO member state of 85 million people and solidified its position as a regional power. Erdogan's win does not seem to raise alarms across the Middle East, having reached compromises with several governments he previously clashed with.
In Istanbul, from a bus, Erdogan thanked the people for their participation in the voting, stating that voters had entrusted him with the responsibility of governance for the next five years. He added, "The only winner is Turkey."
In his victory speech in Ankara, Erdogan promised to set aside all disagreements and unite over national values and dreams, though he shifted his tone to attack the opposition, accusing Kilicdaroglu of standing with terrorists without providing evidence. He stated that the release of Selahattin Demirtas, the former leader of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party whom he labeled a "terrorist," is impossible under his rule.
Erdogan indicated that inflation is the most urgent issue facing Turkey. Ahmed Yener, the head of the Supreme Election Council, confirmed Erdogan's victory after he received 52.14 percent of the votes, representing the official election result. Yener stated that after counting 99.43 percent of the ballots, Kilicdaroglu obtained 47.86 percent. He added that with a margin of over two million votes between the two candidates, the remaining uncounted votes would not alter the outcome.
Congratulations poured in for Erdogan. In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated his "dear friend" Erdogan, saying the victory is evidence of the Turkish people's appreciation for the independent foreign policy he pursues. Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent a congratulatory telegram to Erdogan, praising "the brotherly relations that link our two countries and peoples, which we seek to enhance and develop in all areas." Leaders from Iran, Israel, the UAE, Algeria, and Qatar were among the leaders who congratulated him, as Turkish influence has solidified in the Middle East, sometimes through military strength. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi also congratulated him in a statement, along with Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, Prime Minister of the Libyan Government of National Unity, and Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani, the Iraqi Prime Minister.
In Washington, U.S. President Joe Biden congratulated his Turkish counterpart, saying on Twitter, "I look forward to continuing to work together as NATO members on bilateral issues and shared global challenges." French President Emmanuel Macron extended his congratulations, stating that France and Turkey have "huge challenges to face together." In Berlin, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz congratulated Erdogan on his re-election, tweeting that Turkey and Germany are close partners and allies, with a strong connection between "the German and Turkish peoples and their economies." He remarked that both sides wish to jointly strengthen their agenda with renewed momentum.
Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva also congratulated Erdogan, wishing him a "great term with much work" for the Turkish people. Lula stated on Twitter that Erdogan can "count on Brazil's partnership in international cooperation for peace, combating poverty, and for development worldwide." In Brussels, European Council President Charles Michel congratulated Erdogan on Twitter, saying, "Congratulations, Erdogan, on your re-election as President of Turkey. I look forward to working with you again to deepen the ties between the European Union and Turkey in the coming years." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also congratulated him.
Supporters gathered at his residence in Istanbul awaiting his victory after official reports from the Anadolu Agency and the opposition ANKA indicated his win with almost 99 percent of the ballots counted. Erdogan, leader of the Justice and Development Party with Islamic roots, attracted voters with a nationalistic and conservative rhetoric during a campaign marked by disputes that distracted from deep economic problems. Supporters cheered "Allahu Akbar" in front of his residence in Istanbul. Nisa (28) wore a headscarf with Erdogan's name on it, stating, "I expect everything to improve." Another supporter expressed that Turkey would grow stronger with Erdogan in office for another five years. Mert (39), celebrating with his son, remarked, "There are issues and problems in every country around the world, including European nations... with strong leadership, we will also overcome Turkey's issues." Bougra Oztug (24), who said she voted for Kilicdaroglu, expressed that she was not surprised by the result and held the opposition responsible for failing to effect change. She added, "I feel sadness and disappointment but I am not desperate. I still believe there are those who can see the truths."
The lira fell to record low levels last week amid uncertainty regarding the impact of Erdogan's victory on economic policy. Reports last week indicated that there were disagreements within Erdogan's government about maintaining what some describe as an unsustainable economic program or abandoning it. Kilicdaroglu pledged to reset governance if he won, restore human rights, and return independence to the judiciary and the central bank after they were marginalized over the past decade.
