Skip to main content

Erdogan’s victory a warning to West

Despite his party’s win in the municipal elections, the Turkish prime minister’s policies, including toward Syria, are likely to lead to further political polarization and distance from the United States and Europe.
Turkey's Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan acknowledges supporters during the municipal elections outside a polling station in Istanbul March 30, 2014. Erdogan looks set to win Sunday's municipal elections that have become a crisis referendum on his 10-year rule as he tries to ward off graft allegations and stem a stream of damaging security leaks.  REUTERS/Murad Sezer (TURKEY  - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS)   - RTR3J6TG

Despite the corruption allegations, Twitter ban and seemingly incriminating leaked tapes, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) won approximately 44% of the popular vote in municipal elections on March 30, according to the official tally.

Erdogan’s victory speech offered no olive branches or open hands. It was instead a clenched fist. The prime minister’s remarks conveyed his sense of righteous vindication and included a warning to his political opponents that “we will enter their lair. … They are going to pay the price.”

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.