Part 2/10:
President Erdoğan has maintained extensive power in Turkey for 23 years, leading the Justice and Development Party (AKP), which emerged with promises of economic development and political stability. However, his governance has faced mounting criticism, with accusations of curtailing dissent, compromising judicial independence, and tightening media control.
In March 2019, Erdoğan’s party suffered a critical setback when it lost control of Istanbul to İmamoğlu, a member of the secular center-left Republican People’s Party (CHP). This marked a significant change in Turkey's political dynamics, turning İmamoğlu into a prominent figure opposed to Erdoğan's agenda. The rivalry between the AKP and CHP has only intensified since, showcasing the deep political divisions within the country.