Since Recep Tayyip Erdogan became president in August, following Turkey’s first direct presidential election, eyes are on his relationship with Ahmet Davutoglu, his replacement as prime minister. Their relationship under normal circumstances would not be a major issue, even though Turkey has witnessed strained ties between the president and the prime minister in the past.

The role of the president as the head of state, with important but no executive powers, and the role of the elected prime minister as the head of the executive branch of government, are clearly defined under the Turkish Constitution. Erdogan, however, never made it a secret that he wanted to become Turkey’s leader in a manner that goes beyond the traditional role of Turkish presidents.

Erdogan also made it apparent, regardless of what the constitution says, that his legitimacy would rest on the will of the people. Prior to the presidential election, he openly told his supporters that the nation would be electing its leader.

According to Erdogan, the 52% of the vote he got in the first round of the ballot on Aug. 10 gave him the legitimacy he was seeking.