Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who recently secured another term as Turkey’s leader, confronts a range of pressing issues that demand his attention as he prepares to govern for the next period. From grappling with an economic crisis and addressing diplomatic disputes to managing earthquake reconstruction efforts, AFP examines the priorities of Turkey’s longest-serving leader.
Turkey is grappling with a severe cost-of-living crisis, with annual inflation reaching approximately 40 percent in April. Erdogan’s unconventional approach of cutting interest rates to combat inflation has exacerbated the problem. The central bank’s policy rate is now significantly lower than the rate at which prices are rising, incentivizing people to spend their money quickly, further contributing to the inflationary spiral. The rapid depreciation of the Turkish lira, which has lost more than half its value in two years, adds to the economic challenges.
Turkey’s NATO partners, particularly the United States, are eager for Ankara to lift its veto on Sweden’s entry into the defense alliance. Ankara had blocked Sweden’s application along with that of Finland, demanding the extradition of Turkish figures suspected of ties to outlawed Kurdish militants. While Finland’s entry was eventually approved, Sweden’s bid remains unresolved. NATO foreign ministers aim to make progress on this matter during their meeting in Oslo before a summit of heads of state in Lithuania scheduled for July.
Relations between Turkey and neighboring Syria have been strained due to Turkey’s support for opposition forces seeking to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad during the Syrian civil war. Despite recent attempts to mend ties through Russian-mediated talks, diplomatic normalization has not been achieved. Assad has insisted on the withdrawal of Turkish forces from rebel-held areas of northern Syria and an end to support for armed opposition groups as preconditions for any meeting with Turkey’s head of state. Turkey also aims to facilitate the voluntary return of over three million Syrian refugees residing in the country by constructing housing units in northern Syria.
Turkey continues to grapple with the aftermath of a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck southeastern parts of the country in February. The earthquake caused significant loss of life, displacement of survivors, and widespread destruction. The economic and social challenges posed by the disaster remain substantial, with many survivors still residing in temporary accommodations and relying on humanitarian aid. The reconstruction effort is in its early stages, with the cost of damage estimated at over $100 billion. A fundraising conference organized by the European Union generated substantial donor pledges for Turkey’s reconstruction.
As Recep Tayyip Erdogan commences his renewed term, he must navigate these critical challenges, including combating inflation, resolving diplomatic disputes, restoring relations with Syria, and overseeing earthquake reconstruction efforts. The successful management of these priorities will play a crucial role in shaping Turkey’s path forward.
