Not only half of the population reacted with consternation after the elections in Turkey on Sunday. The Europeans felt at least as disappointed. Erdogan’s popularity in large parts of his country is still chronically underestimated in the West.
In the lively and touristy district around Istiklal Street in Istanbul, there is currently nothing to indicate that the election has been lost. As always, the bars and restaurants are well stocked, with beer and raki glasses on the tables. When a group of men shouts slogans, one briefly wonders whether there is a demonstration against the election taking place around the corner – after all, the first reports of irregularities and even election fraud could be read on Twitter on Tuesday evening. But then the roaring chorus is just Galatasaray football fans.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
