The first three months of 2023 have not been kind to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The ambitious leader has found himself in quite a pickle. Firstly, the earthquake in Gaziantep has left the nation in ruins. Additionally, the economy of Turkey is also not in good shape.
The Turkish leader’s chances of winning the upcoming elections are hanging in the balance. You see, he has never been a fan of the Kurds and has made it clear that he abhors them. However, with polls showing that he is losing against the opposition leader, he is starting to sweat.
This may be the first time that Erdogan has to swallow his pride and rely on the Kurds to win the presidential elections. According to a media report by Reuters, Turkey’s Kurds are eyeing a kingmaker role in the election against Erdogan.
The role of kingmaker
The pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) is reportedly a potential kingmaker in the upcoming elections as polls show a split between Erdogan’s ruling alliance and the opposition. However, a court attempt to outlaw the party may force it to reform under a new guise.
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For the first time in 15 years, opposition parties are gaining ground against Erdogan, and the HDP is eyeing a chance to become a potential kingmaker in the elections.
Currently, the Turkish Kurds are being overlooked, much like the kid at the back of the class that nobody pays attention to until it’s time to copy their homework. Erdogan knows that the HDP could be a potential kingmaker, and this fact is not lost on him.
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Erdogan has consistently made derogatory remarks about the Kurdish community and has opposed Kurdish self-rule. He has launched military operations against Kurdish political movements and accused the Kurds of trying to split Turkey. His hatred towards the Kurds has significantly influenced the ongoing conflict between Turkey and Kurdish organizations.
It’s a sad state of affairs for Erdogan as he used to be tough on the Kurds, but now he might have to rely on them to win the elections. It’s like watching a lion beg a mouse for help, a fall from grace indeed. However, time is running out for Erdogan, and the gap between him and the opposition Presidential candidates is widening, lowering his chances of survival. Karma is about to strike Erdogan, and it won’t be an easy hit.
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