Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Government Actions

Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s approach to government action is characterized by a consolidation of executive power, often bypassing or reshaping established checks and balances. Following the July 15, 2016, coup attempt, he was granted expansive emergency powers, which were used to enact sweeping changes to the Turkish state and sideline political rivals. For him and his supporters, legitimacy for these majoritarian policies largely begins and ends at the ballot box, viewing institutions like a free press or independent judiciary as impediments to necessary reform. This style of governance has been described as moving toward a consolidating authoritarian regime where he exercises near-absolute control through his party and influence over the judiciary.

This drive toward centralized action is underpinned by a strategic political calculus, relying on aggressive populist tactics and identity politics to maintain his base, especially as economic growth has slowed. His actions often define an in-group against perceived external and internal enemies, using national crises, like the coup attempt, as a justification to advance his agenda, which includes reinforcing a defensive, nationalist self-perception for Turkey. This governing style marks a significant pivot from the early AKP vision of inclusive politics to one focused on enacting a conservative vision for the country, often in opposition to Western-defined liberal democracy.