Swearing-In Ceremony: Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey’s long-serving president, is set to be sworn in for his third term on Saturday. The ceremony will take place in parliament, followed by an inauguration ceremony at his expansive palace complex. All eyes are on the announcement of his new Cabinet, as its composition will indicate whether Turkey will continue its unorthodox economic policies or revert to more conventional ones amidst a pressing cost-of-living crisis.
Erdogan’s Extended Rule: Erdogan, aged 69, secured a new five-year term in a recent presidential runoff race. This victory could potentially extend his rule to a quarter-century, adding to his already 20-year reign in the NATO country that spans Europe and Asia. With Turkey’s influential position as the host of millions of refugees and its pivotal role in international affairs, Erdogan’s leadership carries significant weight.
International Attention and Challenges: The swearing-in ceremony has drawn the presence of numerous foreign dignitaries, including NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt. These guests are expected to exert pressure on Erdogan regarding Turkey’s objections to Sweden’s membership in the military alliance. Meanwhile, Erdogan assumes office amid various domestic challenges, such as an ailing economy, the repatriation of Syrian refugees, and the ongoing reconstruction efforts following a devastating earthquake earlier this year.
