How Turkey’s recent political shakeup will have wide-ranging impact
The resignation of Turkish Prime Minister Ahmed Davutoglu could affect both the country’s economy and anti-IS efforts; new report scrutinizes US military aid to Egypt as human rights abuses persist; Al-Monitor’s reporter in the news.
Erdogan consolidates power following Davotoglu exit
Following Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu’s announcement May 5 that he was resigning as head of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and giving up the premiership, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues to consolidate power.
Mustafa Akyol writes, “It can be safely said that Davutoglu's departure marks even greater concentration of power in the hands of Erdogan. The new power structure includes a new Erdoganist narrative, in which obedience to the leader is openly praised as a virtue — and required as a duty.”
Akyol notes that Turkish media has been awash with praise for Erdogan, with Ankara Mayor Melih Gokcek saying, “Obedience to the leader is a must,” while others have invoked verses from the Quran to justify the president’s uncontested dominance.
