Erdogan's Key Priorities As He Begins Last Term As Turkey President

Erdogan's Key Priorities As He Begins Last Term As Turkey President

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has extended his two-decade rule over Turkey for one final term, faces an array of pressing issues as he takes charge of his presidential duties. From an ongoing economic crisis to strained diplomatic relationships with allies, Erdogan's tenure is marked by significant challenges. Let's delve into the key priorities that await Turkey's longest-serving leader.

1. Fight against inflation:
One of the most urgent issues Erdogan faces is the soaring inflation rate that has eroded the purchasing power of Turkish citizens. In April, annual inflation reached around 40 percent, following a peak of 85 percent the previous year. Erdogan's unconventional approach of cutting interest rates to combat inflation has contributed to the problem. Despite criticism, he reiterated his stance during the election campaign. The disparity between the central bank's policy rate and rising prices means individuals lose money if they keep their liras untouched in their accounts.

2. NATO and Sweden's bid:
Turkey's NATO partners, led by the United States, are eager for Ankara to lift its veto on Sweden's accession to the alliance. After Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Sweden and Finland applied to join NATO. However, Turkey blocked their bids, demanding the extradition of Turkish individuals suspected of having connections to outlawed Kurdish militants. Efforts by Sweden, including the adoption of anti-terrorism legislation, a new constitution, and diplomatic talks, have not convinced Ankara and Hungary to support the bid. The issue will be a topic of discussion at the NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Oslo following the election.

3. Reconciliation with Syria:
Relations between Turkey and Syria have deteriorated due to Erdogan's support for opposition forces during the Syrian civil war. Turkey launched military incursions against jihadist and Kurdish fighters in northern Syria since 2016 and maintains a military presence there. Although Erdogan has attempted to mend ties through Russian-mediated talks, diplomatic normalization remains elusive, especially as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad gains support from Arab neighbors. Assad has demanded the withdrawal of Turkish forces from rebel-held areas and an end to support for armed opposition groups as prerequisites for any meeting with Turkey's head of state. Additionally, Turkey aims to repatriate over three million Syrian refugees who sought shelter in the country.

4. Earthquake reconstruction:
A devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Turkey on February 6, causing widespread destruction and claiming more than 50,000 lives. The economic and social challenges posed by the disaster are immense, with many survivors still displaced and living in temporary accommodations. Humanitarian assistance is crucial for their basic needs such as food, water, clothing, and medical supplies. The estimated cost of the damage exceeds $100 billion, and the reconstruction efforts are still in the early stages. A fundraising conference held by the European Union in Brussels generated pledges worth seven billion euros for both Turkey and Syria. The earthquake's aftermath has further strained Turkey's economy, with significant job losses and increased spending exacerbating the inflationary spiral.

As Erdogan embarks on his final term as Turkey's president, addressing these critical priorities will be instrumental in navigating the challenges that lie ahead. The successful management of the economy, diplomatic relations, reconstruction efforts, and humanitarian concerns will shape Turkey's future and the well-being of its citizens. Erdogan's leadership and the collaboration of international partners will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of these pressing issues.
Earthquake reconstruction

The 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck on February 6 devastated swathes of southeastern Turkey, killing more than 50,000 people and reducing entire cities to mounds of rubble.

In addition to the vast loss of life, the economic and social challenges posed by the disaster remain colossal almost four months on.

Hundreds of thousands of traumatised survivors were displaced and many are still living in tents or other temporary accommodation.

Some rely on humanitarian assistance for essentials such as food, water, clothing and medical supplies.
The cost of the damage is officially estimated at more than $100 billion and the huge reconstruction effort is still at an early stage.