Stockholm university

What’s happening in Turkey?

What is going on in Turkey right now? We asked Paul Levin, director of the Stockholm University Institute for Turkish Studies (SUITS).

Paul Levin, director of the Stockholm University Institute for Turkish Studies (SUITS). Photo: Niklas Björling/Stockholm University
 

We see the demonstrations in Turkey, but what is actually happening there right now?

"Prosecutors have charged the mayor of Istanbul with corruption and terrorism and he has now been jailed. This happened a few days he was set to be elected as the next presidential candidate in the main opposition party’s primary. His supporters see this as a blatant political prosecution and many Turks are worried that if they don’t stand up now, they will lose whatever democracy they have in Turkey."

 

But the government is negotiating with the pro-Kurdish PKK party now, too. Are these things connected?

"Yes, in a sense. One reason for the negotiations is to put an end to a very bloody conflict of course, but I also believe that President Erdogan hopes to get the pro-Kurdish DEM party’s support for rewriting the constitution. That would allow him to run for office for another 5-year term. If he wants to do that, he also wants to make sure that he doesn’t lose against a popular opponent so getting him jailed might be part of the same broad strategy."

 

And how do the Kurds view the current protests? Are they part of them?

"I think that Erdogan hopes to divide the opposition with the PKK talks. Some Kurds are participating in the protests and the DEM party has expressed some support, but they are being very cautious. I also think that the mainstream opposition may not want DEM to participate because they would more easily be labeled “terrorist” then."

Learn more about the developing situation from SUITS’ researchers at “What’s happening in Turkey? and informal lunch conversation” Wednesday 2 April, 12:00-14:00, Hörsal 3 Södrahuset. 

More about Paul Levin
 

Theme
International Relations and Migration - Theme page Society, Democracy and Welfare - Theme page

Last updated: April 1, 2025

Source: Communications Office

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