Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's political fate may be decided by the country's Kurds, as the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) has emerged as a key player in the upcoming elections. The HDP, which is facing persecution and crackdowns under Erdogan's rule, has announced that it will not field its own presidential candidate, allowing its supporters to vote for Erdogan's main rival, Kemal Kilicdaroglu.
The decision by the HDP not to run a candidate is seen as a strategic move, as it allows its supporters to unite behind Kilicdaroglu and increase their chances of winning. The HDP has been a thorn in the side of Erdogan, who has cracked down on the party since it began gaining popularity.
The Kurds are the largest minority group in Turkey, making up around 15-20% of the population. However, they have faced decades of persecution and marginalization under Erdogan's rule. The HDP is seen as a key voice for Kurdish rights and interests, and its decision to support Kilicdaroglu may be a turning point in the country's politics.
Analysts say that the HDP's influence will determine the course of Turkey's politics, and that its supporters are crucial in deciding the outcome of the elections. The party's leader, Hisyar Ozsoy, has stated that they will not field a candidate to avoid being seen as pro-PKK, but will instead allow their supporters to unite behind Kilicdaroglu.
The HDP's decision is seen as a carefully crafted move, aimed at playing the game wisely and avoiding a "contaminated political climate" where the elections are polarized. The party's former leader, Selahattin Demirtas, has been in prison for nearly seven years, and the party faces possible closure by court due to suspected ties with the militant Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
Experts say that Erdogan's response to the HDP's decision will be crucial in determining the outcome of the elections. The Turkish president has a reputation for being ruthless against his opponents, and any move to discredit Kilicdaroglu or the HDP could potentially backfire.
The HDP's decision is also seen as a key moment in Turkey's relations with the international community. As a pro-Kurdish party, the HDP has faced significant pressure from Erdogan, who sees them as a threat to his authority. However, if the HDP can unite behind Kilicdaroglu and win the elections, it could potentially bring about a shift in the balance of power in Turkey.
Overall, the fate of Erdogan's presidency hangs in the balance, and the decision by the HDP to support Kilicdaroglu may be a turning point in Turkish politics. As the country prepares for the elections, one thing is certain: the future of Turkey will depend on the outcome of this crucial moment.
The decision by the HDP not to run a candidate is seen as a strategic move, as it allows its supporters to unite behind Kilicdaroglu and increase their chances of winning. The HDP has been a thorn in the side of Erdogan, who has cracked down on the party since it began gaining popularity.
The Kurds are the largest minority group in Turkey, making up around 15-20% of the population. However, they have faced decades of persecution and marginalization under Erdogan's rule. The HDP is seen as a key voice for Kurdish rights and interests, and its decision to support Kilicdaroglu may be a turning point in the country's politics.
Analysts say that the HDP's influence will determine the course of Turkey's politics, and that its supporters are crucial in deciding the outcome of the elections. The party's leader, Hisyar Ozsoy, has stated that they will not field a candidate to avoid being seen as pro-PKK, but will instead allow their supporters to unite behind Kilicdaroglu.
The HDP's decision is seen as a carefully crafted move, aimed at playing the game wisely and avoiding a "contaminated political climate" where the elections are polarized. The party's former leader, Selahattin Demirtas, has been in prison for nearly seven years, and the party faces possible closure by court due to suspected ties with the militant Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
Experts say that Erdogan's response to the HDP's decision will be crucial in determining the outcome of the elections. The Turkish president has a reputation for being ruthless against his opponents, and any move to discredit Kilicdaroglu or the HDP could potentially backfire.
The HDP's decision is also seen as a key moment in Turkey's relations with the international community. As a pro-Kurdish party, the HDP has faced significant pressure from Erdogan, who sees them as a threat to his authority. However, if the HDP can unite behind Kilicdaroglu and win the elections, it could potentially bring about a shift in the balance of power in Turkey.
Overall, the fate of Erdogan's presidency hangs in the balance, and the decision by the HDP to support Kilicdaroglu may be a turning point in Turkish politics. As the country prepares for the elections, one thing is certain: the future of Turkey will depend on the outcome of this crucial moment.