Skip to main content
Regional secretary with the National Education Union
Erdogan on the ropes — but what comes next?
Tony Burke spoke to the HDP’s HISYAR OZSOY about why Turkey’s most powerful leader since its founder may be facing defeat in the upcoming elections at the hands of a broad opposition alliance
AKP supporters listen to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during an election campaign rally in Ankara, Sunday April 30, 2023, (right) Hisyar Ozsoy of the left-wing opposition HDP party.

IT will be “make or break” for democracy in Turkey as the country goes to the polls to elect a new president and parliament on Sunday May 14.

Polling inside the country shows that Turkey’s long-time authoritarian president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, his Justice and Development Party and the newly formed opposition alliance are neck and neck with Erdogan, with the opposition narrowly behind in the polls.

But the signs are that Erdogan’s 20-year grip on power may now be loosening. He recently fell ill on live TV (claiming to have stomach flu) which damaged his image of being indestructible.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
GR
Global Routes / 25 June 2025
25 June 2025

This is a remarkable set of hop hip, salsa, reggae, soul, cumbia and traditional Mexican music finds TONY BURKE

GR
Album reviews / 23 June 2025
23 June 2025

New releases from Madalitso Band, Gabriel da Rosa, and Femi Kuti

TB
Music / 12 May 2025
12 May 2025

A New Awakening: Adventures In British Jazz 1966 - 1971, G3, and Buck Owens 

Platform working
Features / 5 May 2025
5 May 2025

TONY BURKE says an International Labour Conference next month will try for a new convention to protect often super-exploited workers providing services such as ride-hailing (taxis) such as Uber as well as fast food and package delivery

Similar stories
Istanbul's Hagia Sofia Mosque
Book Review / 10 January 2025
10 January 2025
ANGUS REID wrestles with a detailed analysis of the competing religious alliances behind the ascendancy of conservative nationalism in today’s Turkey