Skip to main content

Is Erdogan Aiming to Be A Latter-Day Sultan?

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is seeking a "Turkish-style presidential system," which worries democrats, writes Semih Idiz.
Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan gestures during a news conference after his meeting with Russia's President Vladimir Putin in Istanbul December 3, 2012. REUTERS/Osman Orsal (TURKEY - Tags: POLITICS)

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is facing a dilemma. He can’t run in the 2015 general elections. The charter of his Justice and Development Party (AKP) does not allow it. Otherwise there is a chance he could win an unprecedented fourth term.

But Erdogan is a man with a mission. His self-declared dream is to make Turkey one of the 10 largest economies, and turn it into a key international player by 2023. Meanwhile, Erdogan also talks of wanting to introduce “advanced democracy” to Turkey.

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.