This research report was prepared for DPI by Ali Bayramoğlu, a journalist, writer and political commentator from Turkey. In the report, Mr Bayramoğlu looks ahead to the upcoming general election in Turkey and its possible effects on the Kurdish Issue. While the authoritarian and sectarian approach of the current ruling power continues, the economic crisis in Turkey has taken a significant downturn. The economic woes in the country have cost the ruling power political prestige and could result in a loss of votes in the upcoming election. The response pursued by the country’s current President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has been to promote a discourse centred around a new future, nationalism and a strong, independent Turkey. In addition to his discussion on the current ruling power, Mr Bayramoğlu also discusses the opportunities for the opposition in the upcoming elections, and what this could mean for the future of the Kurdish Issue. Given the economic crisis, popular support for the opposition is naturally on the rise, and opposition parties have become more politically active. However, the opposition is not unified on the Kurdish Issue, as differences of opinion between the CHP and the Good Party limit the potential of the opposition on this topic. In the meantime, Kılıçdaroğlu, who is a strong contender for presidential nomination, has been formulating a new political narrative in which the Kurdish Issue and cooperation with the HDP play a crucial role. As such, it is becoming increasingly likely that the CHP will lead the resolution process, both before and after the elections.
The views and opinions expressed in the report remain those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DPI.
This research was funded by the Norwegian, Swiss and Irish governments.