Turkey faces concerns over democratic erosion and Erdogan's potential new mandate

Turkish opposition leader Özgür Özel has warned that Turkey serves as a case study for 'sophisticated 21st-century authoritarianism,' noting that democracies often erode gradually rather than collapsing suddenly. He argues that while institutions like parliaments, courts, and elections remain, the political playing field is being tilted to protect those in power.

Özel highlights the concentration of power around President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, citing the weakening of judicial independence, government control over media, and pressure on opposition-led municipalities, such as the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu in March 2025.

Simultaneously, reports indicate that President Erdogan may seek to bypass constitutional limits to secure a new term. Despite previous promises to step down and pass leadership to the younger generation, the 72-year-old leader is reportedly considering early elections to circumvent restrictions on his eligibility for re-election.