While that's true, it is possible that an an elected government transforms the country into a dictatorship, e.g. by undermining the other branches of government, seeking control over the judiciary, press; changing the constitution to give themselves additional powers, etc.
That's happening in a lot of countries and from what I know (not in Turkey), it's also something that Erdogan did.
> If he can be voted out then by definition that is not a dictatorship.
Correct, except for the fact that he hasn't handed the reins over yet.
I'll agree with you if he actually hands the power over peacefully, most certainly not a given if you consider some of his exactions in the past 5 years.
I don't think that's accurate. Perhaps it's practically true, but I don't think that's an inherent property of dictatorships. Certainly the original dictatorship was an elected, time-limited office.
Well, maybe definition of dictatorship is wider than we think. There is a one-man regime in Turkey currently and he can just do whatever he pleases thanks to the regime he created. Turkish public opinion calls it a dictatorship.
As a theoretical yes but practice... basic example; Türkiye citizenship couldn't access to news about earthquake. Also meantime blocked biggest social platform at Türkiye. etc. etc.
It's hard to believe these days that Erdogan once was a pretty good leader. As the mayor of Istanbul he really helped transform the city in a good way (with enough exceptions, but still). But unfortunately he fell in all the traps that so many people that are given too much power for too long seem to do.
Even harder to believe that Pu*in wasn't that bad 20 years ago. If you bombard an average person with unlimited power for 20+ years they can emit corruption, oppression and eventually war
Power is a beast in itself. Not supporting these leaders but there are plenty of examples were power reshape people. Obviously, it can be say that few people is ready to receive a lot of power and have an ethics for good.
Meanwhile, "In response to legal process and to ensure Twitter remains available to the people of Turkey, we have taken action to restrict access to some content in Turkey today."
Well, the opposition fought against all fraud and rigging and won elections in major cities in last elections and it became hope for everyone as it happened for the first time in 20 years.
The comment I replied to didn't specify that. It came off as a lazy way to collect upvotes while also displaying an ignorance of the wider world. And your comment similarly presumes that Western/near Western players are unaware of and uninfluenced by the wider world.
The alternative is right now is Kemal Kilicdaroglu. He is social democrat and his party, CHP, values in power of law, education, secularism, freedom, art, tech. They will ensure the transition from a one-man regime to a parliamentary system and restore democracy, separation of powers.
Erdogan was a good leader as long as he was applying his beliefs. Once he decided to listen to the most uneducated part of turkey he became a dictator. More than 40% of the people still like him. If it wasn't the earthquake we would still be first!
On the other side, Kilicdaroglu is a worst nationalist than Erdogan. Most probably for me, he will try to exploit the situation and become the new king. I hope the other members will hold him.
Well, maybe definition of dictatorship is wider than we think. There is a one-man regime in Turkey currently and he can just do whatever he pleases thanks to the regime he created. Turkish public opinion calls it a dictatorship.
Nah. Western media and Turkish leftists call it a dictatorship. Think about it, half of the Turkish media and people are ABLE TO call it a dictatorship, is this a dictatorship? It’s not even near a one-man regime. Western media is hallucinating whatever fits their narratives.
While I strongly wish Erdogan will be ousted tomorrow, it's rather unfortunate that if he his, he'll be replaced by a hard-core socialist, and there is therefore a sizable likelihood that Turkey will be in an even worse shape in the hands of the next leader.
Kılıçdaroğlu is not a socialist by any stretch of imagination, let alone a hard-core one. He’s center-left at best. Besides, the coalition includes right wing conservatives, right wing nationalists, and liberals.
