Turkey's NATO summit fuels criticism and AKP legitimacy debate

The NATO summit in Turkey gathered leaders of 32 member states, where U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated calls for NATO allies to raise defense spending to around 5 % of GDP. Discussions touched on defense contracts, the stalled delivery of F‑35 fighter jets to Turkey, and the potential lifting of U.S. CAATSA sanctions, but no concrete agreements for Turkish orders were announced.

Domestically, the summit sparked controversy as Turkish authorities spent roughly $250 million on the event and imposed security measures that disrupted daily life in Ankara. Critics argue the meeting offered little benefit to Turkey while the ruling AKP seeks to bolster its legitimacy after recent judicial actions that limited Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu's right to defend himself in court. Analysts contend that external applause at the summit cannot substitute for genuine domestic support.

The episode highlights Turkey's strained relations with NATO partners, the government's effort to project strength abroad, and ongoing debates over the ruling party's political standing at home.