Erdogan’s Election And Arab Media Commentary: Why Couldn’t He Convince Urban Voters?

Nasser Qandil, editor-in-chief of al-Binaa, one of Lebanon’s well-established newspapers, spoke to Iranian media…

Speaking to Press TV, one of the official Iranian state media organs, Qandil said: “Erdogan was unable to get the support of urban voters due to Turkey’s intervention in Syria and its involvement in the war.” Expressing that the Syrian refugee problem was the reason for the low vote, Qandil recalled that “his opponent promised to send the refugees to his country and even deport them in two years.”

Qandil commented: “In the second round, Erdogan will face problems such as the bad economy, the social cost of Syrian refugees, rising unemployment, rising rents, and the separation between Turkish and Syrian workers.” The Lebanese journalist said: “With the support of Russia, Iran and Arab countries, Erdogan can form the framework for the two-year Syria exit process,” stressing that Erdogan’s failure to make a clear statement on these issues would benefit the opposition. .