Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made a significant announcement on Friday, indicating that the forthcoming March local elections would mark his final participation, signaling a potential conclusion to his extensive tenure of over two decades in authority.
This declaration, marking the first instance where Erdogan, who has held power since 2003, openly discussed stepping down from his position, occurred during a meeting of the TUGVA Young Turks foundation.
"I am tirelessly engaged in my duties. We're exerting ourselves tirelessly because, for me, this is the culmination," stated the president.
"With the authority bestowed upon me by law, this election will be my ultimate one."
The 70-year-old leader expressed optimism that despite his departure, the conservative Justice and Development (AKP) party, under whose banner he serves, would continue to retain political dominance.
He conveyed confidence that the outcomes of the March 31 local elections would lay "the groundwork for the successors who come after me. There will be a seamless transition of confidence."
In these upcoming elections later this month, the AKP aims to reclaim the mayoral position in Istanbul, which it lost to the opposition in 2019. Notably, Erdogan himself held the post of mayor of Istanbul from 1994 to 1998.
Erdogan's ascent to power commenced when he was elected as prime minister in 2003, at a time when the prime ministerial role held significant influence in Turkish politics. This dynamic shifted in 2014 when Erdogan assumed the presidency after serving three terms as prime minister.
After a constitutional amendment in 2017, Turkey transitioned from a parliamentary system to an executive presidency, eliminating the prime ministerial position and ensuring Erdogan's enduring grip on authority.
Continued successes in subsequent elections in 2018 and the previous year have prolonged Erdogan's tenure, despite controversies surrounding his leadership.
However, some internet users remained skeptical of Erdogan's assertion regarding the imminent conclusion of his political dominance.
Human rights activist Ercan Ozcan expressed doubt, stating, "Don't believe it," on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"We know he attempts to alter the constitution to secure his re-election repeatedly."
While Erdogan has garnered a reputation as an indomitable leader since his AKP's ascent to power in 2002, his influence has faced setbacks in recent years. Notably, his candidates for mayor in Istanbul, the nation's economic epicenter, and the capital Ankara suffered defeats in 2019. Additionally, in the presidential election last May, he encountered a second-round run-off, marking a departure from his previously unassailable position.
