Erdogan poised to assume sweeping powers
Turkish leader retains presidency, gains more executive authority
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has dominated Turkish politics for the past 15 years, will extend his rule and take on sweeping new powers after his victory in the country’s landmark presidential and par- liamentary elections.
Turkey’s High Electoral Board on Monday declared Erdogan the winner of Sunday’s dual votes, which usher in a new system in which the prime minister’s post is eliminated and executive powers are transferred to the president, who rules with only limited checks and balances.
The Turkish leader is accused by critics of adopting increasingly authoritarian tactics but is loved by supporters for bringing prosperity and stability to the country that lies at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Erdogan may be facing rough times ahead, however, because analysts predict an economic downturn for Turkey amid rising inflation and the struggling lira currency.
In his victory speech, Erdogan said he would work toward achieving his goal of making Turkey one of the world’s top 10 economies by 2023, when the Turkish Republic marks its centenary.
He also pledged a more “determined” fight against outlawed Kurdish rebels and alleged members of a movement led by U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom he accuses of orchestrating a 2016 failed coup against his government. Gulen denies involvement.
Under the new system, Erdogan himself will appoint min- isters, vice-presidents and high-level bureaucrats, issue decrees, prepare the budget and decide on security policies.
Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party, or AKP, fell short of winning a parliamentary majority but a better-than-expected performance by its nationalist ally should allow the party to control the 600-seat legislature.
Official voting results will be announced on July 5.