Turkey’s opposition has claimed a significant victory over President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his AK Party in the recent local elections. The CHP emerged victorious in major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, with Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul, leading the charge. Imamoglu’s win marked the end of 25 years of AK Party rule in the city.
Imamoglu, a member of the CHP, has had a career trajectory similar to Erdogan’s, both starting their political journeys in Istanbul in the 1990s. The recent election results have raised speculation about Imamoglu’s potential challenge against Erdogan in the 2028 presidential race.
The victory for the opposition was seen as a result of growing discontent in Turkey over economic decline and rising living costs. Despite the AK Party’s strong showing in opinion polls, they fell short in the final count. Erdogan acknowledged the defeat and promised to address the party’s shortcomings.
The opposition celebrated their wins, while AK Party supporters expressed disappointment. Erdogan, in his response, recognized the message delivered by the people and vowed to continue with economic policies aimed at tackling inflation.
Looking ahead, observers predict that Imamoglu’s success in the local elections may pave the way for him to run for president in 2028, as Erdogan has indicated he will not seek another term. However, the political landscape in Turkey remains uncertain, with potential snap elections and shifting dynamics in the lead-up to 2028.