World Alert: Stunning setbacks in Turkey’s elections dent Erdogan’s aura of invincibility

Opposition victories in Istanbul, Ankara and other major cities could be more than a symbolic loss for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Sunday's local elections across Turkey were widely seen as a referendum on Erdogan's policies and produced mixed results. His ruling Justice and Development Party, or AKP, led all other parties and, along with a coalition partner, captured a majority of the vote. But the loss of Istanbul, if confirmed, would be an especially harsh blow to the president. Erdogan rose to national prominence as the city's mayor from 1994 to 1998. The city has served since then as a source of wealth and prestige for his party and a showcase — with its sprinting construction, megaprojects and multiplying mosques — for his broader ideological vision.

Democracy Dies in Darkness     World Alert Apr 1, 7:24 PM     Stunning setbacks in Turkey's elections dent Erdogan's aura of invincibility Opposition victories in Istanbul, Ankara and other major cities could be more than a symbolic loss for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Sunday's local elections across Turkey were widely seen as a referendum on Erdogan's policies and produced mixed results. His ruling Justice and Development Party, or AKP, led all other parties and, along with a coalition partner, captured a majority of the vote. But the loss of Istanbul, if confirmed, would be an especially harsh blow to the president. Erdogan rose to national prominence as the city's mayor from 1994 to 1998. The city has served since then as a source of wealth and prestige for his party and a showcase — with its sprinting construction, megaprojects and multiplying mosques — for his broader ideological vision. Read more » Advertisement You received this email because you signed up for news alerts from The Washington Post. Manage my newsletters and alerts | Unsubscribe Privacy Policy | Help ©2019 The Washington Post, 1301 K St NW, Washington DC 20071