Time magazine election analysis: Erdogan’s chances have never been less

Although the world press closely follows the electoral process in Turkey, many publications draw attention to the fact that the May 14 elections may be a “turning point”.

The American magazine Time published an analysis titled “Erdogan’s political power has never been so weak.” In the article written by Ian Bremmer, president of the famous political risk consulting firm Eurasia Group, it was claimed that the elections could bring to an end President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s rule of more than 20 years for the first time.

Recalling that Erdogan rose to power by taking advantage of the 1999 earthquake and the devastation caused by the economic crisis, the article notes that he has ruled Turkey with an iron fist ever since and overcame many difficulties, but that the upcoming elections could bring about big changes. In the analysis, it was pointed out that the earthquake disaster that struck Turkey was at the forefront of the crises that made Erdogan’s re-election difficult, and many people blamed Erdogan for the uncontrolled buildings that were destroyed.

‘NO EFFECT OTHER THAN ITS OWN BASE’

In the article, which claimed that trust in Erdoğan was badly damaged, it was emphasized that the opposition rallied behind CHP leader, presidential candidate Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, for the first time, and that polls showed Kılıçdaroğlu ahead of Erdogan.

Time commented that Erdogan, as a talented and experienced politician, will try various ways to increase his vote rate, but at this stage, his actions will not have an impact outside of his own base.

The article ended with the statement: “One thing is clear: Erdogan’s political fortunes in his 20 years in power have never been so shaky.”