The Guardian view on Erdoğan’s tightening grip on Turkey: the next election is already being decided
The removal of an opposition party leader and closure of a liberal university show an authoritarian democracy moving closer to one-man rule
TL;DR
- An appeals court annulled the Republican People's party (CHP) leadership contest, removing its head, Özgür Özel.
- Özgür Özel was credited with reviving the CHP, which performed well in local elections.
- The justice system is described as weaponized against the opposition, with hundreds of officials arrested.
- Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu faces a potential sentence of over 1,900 years in a corruption trial.
- The CHP called the court's decision a 'judicial coup' aimed at splitting the party.
- President Erdoğan has pursued an increasingly authoritarian path since 2003, centralizing power through constitutional changes.
- A private university known for liberal views was closed by presidential decree.
- Erdoğan could run for another term if early elections are held, potentially with support from the pro-Kurdish party.
- The Turkish economy faces challenges due to fuel import dependence and soaring inflation.
- International actors like Donald Trump have praised Erdoğan, while the EU's focus is on Ukraine.
- Democracy is eroded over time, and the ability of candidates to stand and be heard is crucial, not just vote counting.