If the predictions are confirmed, the electoral battle between Erdogan and Imamoglu will be a difficult marathon – Analysts do not exclude the Turkish president from speeding up political developments in order to surprise the opposition, which seems to be waking up
By Antonis Anzoletou
Whoever defeats Tayyip Erdogan will be described as “pantocrator” in Turkey. H conviction of Ekrem Imamoglou to a prison sentence of two years, seven months and 15 days, for “insulting” public officials was a “gift” from the Turkish president to the opposition. Essentially, Tayyip Erdoğan, without knowing it, “chose” an opponent for the upcoming elections. Imamoglu’s joint appearance at Istanbul’s city hall with the president of the “Good Party” Meral Aksener, accompanied by a warm hug, was the first sign that the opposition might join forces. The meeting of all six leaders that followed yesterday was a resounding message that the political upheaval from Imamoglu’s conviction will be great.
Developments in politics when things are moving fast are always extremely dynamic in nature. Everyone was discussing in the neighboring country that the leader of the official opposition Kemal Kilintsaroglou, but also the mayor of Ankara, Mansour Javas, have a lead in leading the opposition formation. Tayyip Erdogan may have acted on his panic. Allied television media were baffled on Thursday by his move, which may prove disastrous for him. The opinion polls that showed that with Imamoglu as his opponent, he has less chance of winning in the second round seem to have led him to make hasty moves. Apparently losing the municipality of Istanbul was a “slap in the face” that he never managed to digest. The mistake was twofold: the prison sentence imposed was unfair, once again showing his control over justice, and at the same time politically incorrect, “heroizing” his opponent. Analysts point out that now, even if the Court of Appeal changes the decision, the damage has been done.
An abyss separates Erdogan and Imamoglu. However, they also have many elements that possibly save the political change that is coming to Turkey. Both were mayors of Istanbul, while Tayyip Erdoğan, like Ekrem Imamoglu, was convicted and imprisoned in 1998 before starting his long career as prime minister and president of the country. The other point they have in common is that they trace their origin from the Black Sea.
If the predictions are confirmed, the electoral battle between Erdogan and Imamoglu will be a difficult marathon. Analysts do not exclude the Turkish president from speeding up political developments in order to surprise the opposition which seems to be waking up. As far as Greece is concerned, if Erdogan sees that he is losing ground in the polls, it is not excluded that he will intensify the pressure in relation to the Aegean islands. In an attempt to awaken the nationalist feelings of his people from the depths of the country to Istanbul.
In the event that the decision for Ekrem Imamoglou is finalized, then he will be faced with deprivation of political rights. He will not be able to be mayor, nor to contest his election. Lawyers will appeal, which has a suspensive nature of the sentence. The aim is to save valuable time, as the process of examining the case by the Court of Appeal can take up to two years.
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With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
