The Intelligence from The Economist Starched rival: Turkey’s opposition candidate
Mar 14, 2023
Fyodor Zalewski, The Economist's Turkey correspondent, sheds light on the turbulent political landscape in Turkey as the opposition rallies behind Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, a candidate with both promise and peril. Rachel Dobbs, climate writer, outlines the significance of a new UN high-seas treaty aimed at marine conservation amid ecological crises. The discussion also touches on the rising popularity of Thai Boys' Love dramas, exploring their cultural impact and the strategic parallels with K-pop in enhancing Thailand's global influence.
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Turkey's Political Landscape
- Turkey's upcoming election presents a rare chance for change after two decades of increasingly autocratic rule under Erdoğan.
- Soaring inflation and devastating earthquakes have exposed vulnerabilities, prompting a united opposition front.
Opposition Nomination Drama
- Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's nomination as the opposition candidate was fraught with drama, including a temporary withdrawal by Meral Akşener.
- Akşener ultimately endorsed Kılıçdaroğlu after he agreed to appoint two popular mayors as vice presidents.
Kılıçdaroğlu's Electability
- Kılıçdaroğlu, a bookish former bureaucrat, is seen as the antithesis of Erdoğan, potentially offering a calming influence.
- However, polls suggest he might struggle to defeat Erdoğan, which prompted Akşener's initial hesitation.