NUNZIUM

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has won re-election, securing another five years in power with 52.14% of the votes in the second round. Erdogan's main opponent, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, received 47.86% of the votes, pledging to continue the "struggle for democracy" after a bitter campaign marked by nationalist tones. Over 64 million Turks at home and abroad were eligible to vote, with a turnout of around 85% for the second round of voting. Erdogan's AK Party and its allies won 323 of 600 seats in the parliamentary election held alongside the leadership race on May 14.

Local elections are set for March, with Erdogan aiming to retake cities like Istanbul and Ankara. In Taksim Square, Istanbul, crowds gathered to celebrate Erdogan's third term in power after winning over 27.7 million votes. The Turkish president plays a significant role internationally, increasingly looking east while remaining a member of the West's NATO defensive alliance.

In his victory speech, Erdogan identified inflation and earthquake recovery as top priorities for his new term. Inflation in Turkey was at 50.5% in March, down from 85.6% in October. Erdogan promises to rebuild cities affected by earthquakes, improve lives, and further reduce inflation. He also seeks to mediate in the Russia-Ukraine war and enable grain exports through the Black Sea.

Erdogan's NATO relations have been complicated, as he purchased a Russian missile defense system, straining ties with Sweden. However, US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, along with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, congratulated Erdogan on his victory.

The European Union and Turkey have been at odds on numerous issues, with the European Commission critical of Erdogan's authoritarian rule. The EU is concerned about the deterioration of democracy, rule of law, fundamental rights, and independence of the judiciary in Turkey, but recognizes its importance as a partner on migration, climate protection, and energy security.

EU leaders have criticized Turkey's territorial violations against Greece and Cyprus and called for the release of activist Osman Kavala, sentenced to life in prison in 2022. Relations between the EU and Turkey have been characterized by ups and downs for decades. Turkey's goal remains joining the EU, but accession talks are unlikely to be revived soon. The EU suspended accession negotiations with Turkey in 2018, but they have not been completely broken off. About 70% of the Turkish population still wants to join the EU.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has been critical of Turkey but calls for cooperation within NATO. The EU and NATO expect Turkey to approve Sweden's accession to the military alliance after Erdogan's reelection.

Erdogan's triumph in the Turkish elections marks a new chapter for Turkey and its international relations. With a focus on rebuilding cities affected by earthquakes, cutting inflation, and mediating in international conflicts, Erdogan's third term in power promises to be an eventful one. As Turkey navigates its complex relationships with the EU and NATO, the world will be watching closely to see how this new era unfolds.