Turkiye is grappling with severe economic challenges, driven by a persistent inflation rate of 60 percent, which is twelve times the official target. The central bank has maintained its benchmark interest rate at 50 percent since April, marking the tightest monetary conditions in two decades.

Turkish workers bear the brunt of economic crisis

Firefighters in Turkey are racing against time to contain the raging wildfires in the western part of the region. Watch in for more details!

Turkiye battles Wildfires: Planes, helicopters deployed to douse blaze

A political crisis is unfolding in Turkiye. Lawmakers from the ruling AK party and the Pro-Kurdish dem party brawled over the removal of a mayor. Kurds are out on the streets, voicing their opinion against mayor's jail sentence.

Turkiye jails Pro-Kurdish mayor

Turkey’s highest electoral authority on Wednesday restored the right of a newly elected mayor from a pro-Kurdish party to hold office, overturning an earlier decision by a lower body that had sparked widespread protests and led to dozens of arrests.

Turkey's election board reinstates pro-Kurdish mayoral election winner

Turkey's electoral authorities have denied the newly elected mayor from a pro- Kurdish political party the right to hold office in an eastern city and replaced him with his runner up in the race a contestant from Turkish President Erdogan's ruling party. Watch in for more details!

Turkey elections: Turkiye denies newly elected pro-kurdish mayor to hold office

Turkey recently went through its polls and the political opposition logged victory over President Erdogan's party in local elections. In this, the Turkey market reacted a little differently. Turkey's Lira gained and stocks wobbled on Monday.

Turkish Lira gains after opposition win

Bruised and fractured by Recep Tayyip Erdogan's victory in 2023 general elections, Turkey's opposition aims to land a blow in Sunday's local polls, with the future of its biggest hope, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, tied to the outcome.

Turkey elections: Imamoglu's CHP reclaims Ankara

Bruised and fractured by Recep Tayyip Erdogan's victory in 2023 general elections, Turkey's opposition aims to land a blow in Sunday's local polls, with the future of its biggest hope, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, tied to the outcome. Watch to know more!

Turkey elections: Turkey opposition declares victory in pivotal Istanbul vote

Turkey local elections: Voting marred by violent incidents; fierce contest for Istabul, Ankara

Turkey local elections: Voting ends in high-stakes elections, three killed in poll-related violence

Millions of Voters in Turkey will head to the polls today across 81 provinces to elect Mayors and administrators in local elections. The polls are important for Turkish president Erdogan's party as it aims to reclaim cities it lost in 2019.

Turkiye's high stakes municipal elections

Turkey Municipal Elections: Fierce contest for Istanbul, Ankara

After two decades in power the Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan is all set to step down from his post and this comes as Erdogan is now announced the local elections that are slated for later this month will be his last elections. Watch to know more!

Turkey President Erdogan to step down from his post, expresses desire to leave office

<p>Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan began his third decade in power by replacing almost all members of his erstwhile cabinet, except for the ministers for health and culture. The changes made, especially in foreign and finance portfolios, reflect the country's economic concerns and relations with the West as topping the re-elected president's agenda.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incumbent president stretched his rule into his 21st year last Sunday after winning an unprecedented runoff vote against opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Erdogan’s new cabinet: The foreign policy trajectory</strong></h2>

<p>The president has named intelligence chief Hakan Fidan, also a former soldier, as the new foreign minister.</p>

<p>Fidan has been described as one of Erdogan’s closest aides. He headed the National Intelligence Organisation (MIT) since 2010 and before that was an adviser to Erdogan in the prime minister’s office.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | Turkey's Erdogan wins historic third term</strong></p>

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<p>Fidan is known to be an accommodative face towards the defiant pro-Kurdish groups in Turkey.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-chief-to-visit-turkey-amid-push-for-sweden-bid-for-bloc-membership-599702">NATO chief to visit Turkey, push Erdogan for ratification of Sweden’s bloc membership</a></strong></p>

<p>While the immediate concerns of the West have been towards breaking off Turkey's sustained resistance to Sweden's entry into the US-led NATO, Erdogan's choice of foreign minister reflects that his focus is more on concerns at home.</p>

<h2><strong>Erdogan’s new cabinet: The challenge to revamp economy</strong></h2>

<p>Erdogan has named ex-banker Mehmet Simsek as treasury and finance minister in his new cabinet. Simsek served as finance minister previously between 2009 and 2015 and was deputy prime minister in charge of the economy until 2018. Simsek is known to be&nbsp;opposed to Erdogan's policy of heavy state control of markets and maintaining low interest rates despite rising inflation. Turkey's inflation stood at a whopping 44 per cent in May while the Lira has lost more than 10 per cent of its value against the dollar since the beginning of 2023.</p>

<p>Shortly after winning country's first-ever presidential runoff vote last Sunday, Erdogan touched upon the central theme of the elections and said that his new administration will focus on bringing down inflation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The most urgent issue of the coming days is to eliminate the problems arising from the price increases caused by inflation and to compensate for welfare losses," the president said.</p>

<h2><b>Erdogan's new cabinet: The full list</b></h2>

<p>This is the full list of Erdogan’s new cabinet:</p>

<p>Vice President: Cevdet Yilmaz</p>

<p>Foreign Minister: Hakan Fidan</p>

<p>Treasury and Finance Minister: Mehmet Simsek</p>

<p>Defence Minister: Yasar Guler</p>

<p>Interior Minister: Ali Yerlikaya</p>

<p>Education Minister: Yusuf Tekin</p>

<p>Justice Minister: Yilmaz Tunc</p>

<p>Family and Social Services Minister: Mahinur Ozdemir Goktas</p>

<p>Labour and Social Security Minister: Vedat Isikhan</p>

<p>Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Minister: Mehmet Ozhaseki</p>

<p>Energy and Natural Resources Minister: Alparslan Bayraktar</p>

<p>Youth and Sports Minister: Osman Askin Bak</p>

<p>Culture and Tourism Minister: Mehmet Nuri Ersoy</p>

<p>Health Minister: Fahrettin Koca</p>

<p>Industry and Technology Minister: Mehmet Fatih Kacir</p>

<p>Agriculture and Forestry Minister: Ibrahim Yumakli</p>

<p>Trade Minister: Omer Bolat</p>

<p>Transport and Infrastructure Minister: Abdulkadir Uraloglu<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan began his third decade in power by replacing almost all members of his erstwhile cabinet, except for the ministers for health and culture.

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan began his third decade in power by replacing almost all members of his erstwhile cabinet, except for the ministers for health and culture. The changes made, especially in foreign and finance portfolios, reflect the country's economic concerns and relations with the West as topping the re-elected president's agenda. The incumbent president stretched his rule into his 21st year last Sunday after winning an unprecedented runoff vote against opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Erdogan’s new cabinet: The foreign policy trajectory The president has named intelligence chief Hakan Fidan, also a former soldier, as the new foreign minister. Fidan has been described as one of Erdogan’s closest aides. He headed the National Intelligence Organisation (MIT) since 2010 and before that was an adviser to Erdogan in the prime minister’s office. Also watch | Turkey's Erdogan wins historic third term × Fidan is known to be an accommodative face towards the defiant pro-Kurdish groups in Turkey. Also read | NATO chief to visit Turkey, push Erdogan for ratification of Sweden’s bloc membership While the immediate concerns of the West have been towards breaking off Turkey's sustained resistance to Sweden's entry into the US-led NATO, Erdogan's choice of foreign minister reflects that his focus is more on concerns at home. Erdogan’s new cabinet: The challenge to revamp economy Erdogan has named ex-banker Mehmet Simsek as treasury and finance minister in his new cabinet. Simsek served as finance minister previously between 2009 and 2015 and was deputy prime minister in charge of the economy until 2018. Simsek is known to be opposed to Erdogan's policy of heavy state control of markets and maintaining low interest rates despite rising inflation. Turkey's inflation stood at a whopping 44 per cent in May while the Lira has lost more than 10 per cent of its value against the dollar since the beginning of 2023. Shortly after winning country's first-ever presidential runoff vote last Sunday, Erdogan touched upon the central theme of the elections and said that his new administration will focus on bringing down inflation. "The most urgent issue of the coming days is to eliminate the problems arising from the price increases caused by inflation and to compensate for welfare losses," the president said. Erdogan's new cabinet: The full list This is the full list of Erdogan’s new cabinet: Vice President: Cevdet Yilmaz Foreign Minister: Hakan Fidan Treasury and Finance Minister: Mehmet Simsek Defence Minister: Yasar Guler Interior Minister: Ali Yerlikaya Education Minister: Yusuf Tekin Justice Minister: Yilmaz Tunc Family and Social Services Minister: Mahinur Ozdemir Goktas Labour and Social Security Minister: Vedat Isikhan Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Minister: Mehmet Ozhaseki Energy and Natural Resources Minister: Alparslan Bayraktar Youth and Sports Minister: Osman Askin Bak Culture and Tourism Minister: Mehmet Nuri Ersoy Health Minister: Fahrettin Koca Industry and Technology Minister: Mehmet Fatih Kacir Agriculture and Forestry Minister: Ibrahim Yumakli Trade Minister: Omer Bolat Transport and Infrastructure Minister: Abdulkadir Uraloglu (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Turkey: Erdogan replaces nearly all faces in cabinet with focus on economy, foreign policy

Turkey has re-elected Recep Tayyip Erdogan as its president. a man who has led the country for more than 20 years. in spite of being challenged by multiple crises, Erdogan has been able to maintain his grip on power. here's a report on Erdogan's journey to the top.

How has a divisive leader managed to rule over 20 years?

Recep Tayyip Erdogan winning the Turkish presidential runoff has turned out to be a bad news for the ailing Turkish Lira. The currency has weakened to a record low as foreign investors fear further alienation under the strongman's regime. The Lira fell 0.6% to 20.10 per us dollar on Monday, which is a record low on a closing basis. Wall Street analysts see more weakness ahead, with Morgan Stanley warning it may slide 29% toward 28 per dollar by the end of the year.

Turkey's Lira continues to struggle

<p>Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday (May 28) that it's time to unite around "national goals", after winning a historic runoff election that guarantees his rule at least until 2028. The results were made official late at night and revealed that Erdogan has won the presidency with 52.14 per cent of the votes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The stunning victory has made Erdogan the most important figure in modern Turkish history, but his political journey, which led him to where he is now, hasn't been an easy one.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was not projected to win, but the 69-year-old Erdogan emerged to be the ultimate political survivor. He defeated his secular opposition rival, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, by four percentage points.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He has overcome jail and a bloody 2016 coup attempt, economic development and political strife. Earthquakes and subsequent aftershocks in February posed one of the toughest challenges ahead of the election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He made several visits to the quake-hit zones where more than 50,000 died and also vowed to implement rapid reconstruction works and to punish builders who skirted building regulations. He accused the opposition of seeking advantage from a catastrophe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Erdogan claims that he has introduced various reforms, but he is also accused of slipping into authoritarianism reminiscent of the Ottoman sultans and not abiding by Turkey's democratic foundations.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The early life of Erdogan</strong></h2>

<p>Erdogan was born in Istanbul on February 26, 1954, and graduated from Kasımpaşa Piyale Primary School in 1965. He completed his high school education at Istanbul Imam Hatip School (Religious Vocational High School) in 1973.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Interest in politics was quite evident as Erdogan became known as a fiery orator in the cause of political Islam when he was in high school.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from politics, he was also actively interested in football — a sport which taught him the significance of teamwork and spirit in his younger years. But his inclination towards politics was definitely more.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After being born in a working-class, Erdogan made his name in nascent Islamic movements that were challenging secular domination, becoming the city's mayor in 1994.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, he was convicted and jailed for four months for inciting religious hatred when he recited a fiery poem that compared mosques to army barracks and called minarets "our bayonets", which led to cutting short of his mayoral term.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>But the setback did not affect his popularity and the way he was with people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also founded the AKP after an earlier Islamic party was banned, Erdogan spearheaded its 2002 landslide election victory and became premier less than six months later.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Erdogan grew up as the son of a coastguard&nbsp;on Turkey's Black Sea coast. Reports say&nbsp;that his father decided to move to Istanbul when he was 13.</p>

<p>As a child, Erdogan sold lemonade and sesame buns to earn extra cash.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Part of NATO, but not so Western</strong></h2>

<p>Turkey is part of The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) — a military alliance majorly comprising&nbsp;the Western nations&nbsp;— but he never shied away from holding his ground.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Turkey played&nbsp;a crucial role&nbsp;in brokering a grain deal between Russia and Ukraine in the ongoing war, to an extent resolving the global food crisis. Turkey also put brakes on Sweden's plans to join the Western defensive alliance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Turkey was handed US sanctions in December 2020 over its purchase of Russian S-400 missile defence systems and had been criticised by Western allies over the move. Ankara has said it was forced to opt for Russian weapons because allies did not provide weapons on satisfactory terms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, in 2022, he said that it is unclear whether Turkey will buy more Russian arms because of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Power and protests&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Erdogan led the 2002 landslide election victory and became premier less than six months later. His signature early achievements included a series of reforms — abolishing the death penalty and beginning a peace process with Kurdish militants.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mass protests in 2013 over plans to turn an Istanbul park into a shopping mall marked the start of a more divisive era that included corruption allegations levelled against his inner circle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Turkey's bid to join the EU faltered and peace talks with the Kurds imploded in 2015 when a Kurdish opposition party helped to wrest control of parliament from Erdogan for the first time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Turkish military operations against Kurdish forces in Syria and Iraq soon followed, creating new tensions with the West.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What are the challenges ahead?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>From a crippling economic crisis to a diplomatic standoff with allies, Erdogan will face a myriad of challenges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Turks are facing a cost-of-living crisis, with annual inflation running at around 40 per cent in April after officially peaking at 85 per cent last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Discussion over Sweden's NATO bid, efforts to reconcile with Syria, and earthquake reconstruction, are some of the burning issues that Erdogan will have to take action on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Opponents accused him of turning a blind eye to corruption and lax building standards that allowed entire cities to crumble in the February 6 earthquake.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday (May 28) that it's time to unite around "national goals", after winning a historic runoff election that guarantees his rule at least until 2028.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday (May 28) that it's time to unite around "national goals", after winning a historic runoff election that guarantees his rule at least until 2028. The results were made official late at night and revealed that Erdogan has won the presidency with 52.14 per cent of the votes. The stunning victory has made Erdogan the most important figure in modern Turkish history, but his political journey, which led him to where he is now, hasn't been an easy one. He was not projected to win, but the 69-year-old Erdogan emerged to be the ultimate political survivor. He defeated his secular opposition rival, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, by four percentage points. He has overcome jail and a bloody 2016 coup attempt, economic development and political strife. Earthquakes and subsequent aftershocks in February posed one of the toughest challenges ahead of the election. He made several visits to the quake-hit zones where more than 50,000 died and also vowed to implement rapid reconstruction works and to punish builders who skirted building regulations. He accused the opposition of seeking advantage from a catastrophe. Erdogan claims that he has introduced various reforms, but he is also accused of slipping into authoritarianism reminiscent of the Ottoman sultans and not abiding by Turkey's democratic foundations. The early life of Erdogan Erdogan was born in Istanbul on February 26, 1954, and graduated from Kasımpaşa Piyale Primary School in 1965. He completed his high school education at Istanbul Imam Hatip School (Religious Vocational High School) in 1973. Interest in politics was quite evident as Erdogan became known as a fiery orator in the cause of political Islam when he was in high school. Apart from politics, he was also actively interested in football — a sport which taught him the significance of teamwork and spirit in his younger years. But his inclination towards politics was definitely more. After being born in a working-class, Erdogan made his name in nascent Islamic movements that were challenging secular domination, becoming the city's mayor in 1994. However, he was convicted and jailed for four months for inciting religious hatred when he recited a fiery poem that compared mosques to army barracks and called minarets "our bayonets", which led to cutting short of his mayoral term. Watch this report: × But the setback did not affect his popularity and the way he was with people. He also founded the AKP after an earlier Islamic party was banned, Erdogan spearheaded its 2002 landslide election victory and became premier less than six months later. Erdogan grew up as the son of a coastguard on Turkey's Black Sea coast. Reports say that his father decided to move to Istanbul when he was 13. As a child, Erdogan sold lemonade and sesame buns to earn extra cash. Part of NATO, but not so Western Turkey is part of The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) — a military alliance majorly comprising the Western nations — but he never shied away from holding his ground. Turkey played a crucial role in brokering a grain deal between Russia and Ukraine in the ongoing war, to an extent resolving the global food crisis. Turkey also put brakes on Sweden's plans to join the Western defensive alliance. Turkey was handed US sanctions in December 2020 over its purchase of Russian S-400 missile defence systems and had been criticised by Western allies over the move. Ankara has said it was forced to opt for Russian weapons because allies did not provide weapons on satisfactory terms. However, in 2022, he said that it is unclear whether Turkey will buy more Russian arms because of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Power and protests Erdogan led the 2002 landslide election victory and became premier less than six months later. His signature early achievements included a series of reforms — abolishing the death penalty and beginning a peace process with Kurdish militants. Mass protests in 2013 over plans to turn an Istanbul park into a shopping mall marked the start of a more divisive era that included corruption allegations levelled against his inner circle. Turkey's bid to join the EU faltered and peace talks with the Kurds imploded in 2015 when a Kurdish opposition party helped to wrest control of parliament from Erdogan for the first time. Turkish military operations against Kurdish forces in Syria and Iraq soon followed, creating new tensions with the West. What are the challenges ahead? From a crippling economic crisis to a diplomatic standoff with allies, Erdogan will face a myriad of challenges. Turks are facing a cost-of-living crisis, with annual inflation running at around 40 per cent in April after officially peaking at 85 per cent last year. Discussion over Sweden's NATO bid, efforts to reconcile with Syria, and earthquake reconstruction, are some of the burning issues that Erdogan will have to take action on. Opponents accused him of turning a blind eye to corruption and lax building standards that allowed entire cities to crumble in the February 6 earthquake. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rise and rise of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan: Name etched in gold, but challenges not over

Recep Tayyip Erdogan has won the Turkiye Presidential runoff elections. The high election board chief made the official announcement stating Erdogan grabbed 52.14 per cent of the votes and his opponent, Kemal Kiliçdaroğlu, received 47.86 per cent. There was a gap of over 2 million votes between candidates. After his victory, erdogan greeted his supporters at the presidential palace and thanked them. This victory extends erdogan's 20-year rule for five more years.

Erdgoan at the held of Turkiye for third successive term, calls for unity around national dreams

Turkey runoff elections have finally come to an end with Erdogan regaining his seat as the President. Erdogan defeated Kilicdaroglu to make a comeback for another five years. The total voter turnout was 84.93%.

Turkiye Elections 2023: Erdogan's supporters flock outside presidential palace

<p>Turkey started counting ballots on Sunday evening in the country's first-ever runoff presidential vote. The result will decide whether President Recep Tayyip Erdogan would expand his authoritarian grip over Ankara into the third decade or not.</p>

<p>Erdogan faces the challenge to be unseated by Kemal Kilicdaroglu.</p>

<p>But as per&nbsp;trends posted officially, Erdogan is well ahead of his challenger. The incumbent president is&nbsp;leading with 54.3 per cent votes against Kilicdaroglu's 45.63 per cent, with nearly one-third of ballots counted at the time of filing this report.</p>

<h2><strong>Turkey elections: Implications for the rest of the world</strong></h2>

<p>Turkey stands at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, and as a NATO member, Erdogan’s government vetoed Sweden’s bid to join NATO and purchased Russian missile defence systems, which prompted the United States to oust Turkey from a US-led fighter-jet project.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Erdogan, however, has also been credited with helping broker a crucial deal that allowed Ukrainian grain shipments and averted a global food crisis.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-elections-erdogan-gives-cash-to-supporters-in-stark-violation-of-turkish-law-597506">Turkey elections: Erdogan gives cash to supporters in stark violation of Turkish law</a></strong></p>

<p>President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been at Turkey’s helm for 20 years, was favoured to win a new five-year term in the second-round runoff, after falling just short of outright victory in the first round on May 14.</p>

<p>The two candidates have offered sharply different visions of the country’s future and its recent past.</p>

<p>"This election took place under very difficult circumstances, there was all sorts of slander and defamation," the 74-year-old Kilicdaroglu told reporters after casting his ballot, Associated Press reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But I trust in the common sense of the people. Democracy will come, freedom will come, people will be able to wander the streets and freely criticise politicians."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Turkey Runoff Elections 2023: Is Erdogan inching closer to win?</strong></p>

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<p>Speaking to reporters after casting his vote at a school in Istanbul, Erdogan said that it was the first presidential runoff election in Turkey’s history. But the incumbent president was also seen distributing cash to his supporters shortly after he cast his ballot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I pray to God, that it (the election) will be beneficial for our country and nation," Erdogan said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Turkey started counting ballots on Sunday evening in the country's first-ever runoff presidential vote. The result will decide whether President Recep Tayyip Erdogan would expand his authoritarian grip over Ankara into the third decade or not.

Turkey started counting ballots on Sunday evening in the country's first-ever runoff presidential vote. The result will decide whether President Recep Tayyip Erdogan would expand his authoritarian grip over Ankara into the third decade or not. Erdogan faces the challenge to be unseated by Kemal Kilicdaroglu. But as per trends posted officially, Erdogan is well ahead of his challenger. The incumbent president is leading with 54.3 per cent votes against Kilicdaroglu's 45.63 per cent, with nearly one-third of ballots counted at the time of filing this report. Turkey elections: Implications for the rest of the world Turkey stands at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, and as a NATO member, Erdogan’s government vetoed Sweden’s bid to join NATO and purchased Russian missile defence systems, which prompted the United States to oust Turkey from a US-led fighter-jet project. Erdogan, however, has also been credited with helping broker a crucial deal that allowed Ukrainian grain shipments and averted a global food crisis. ALSO READ | Turkey elections: Erdogan gives cash to supporters in stark violation of Turkish law President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been at Turkey’s helm for 20 years, was favoured to win a new five-year term in the second-round runoff, after falling just short of outright victory in the first round on May 14. The two candidates have offered sharply different visions of the country’s future and its recent past. "This election took place under very difficult circumstances, there was all sorts of slander and defamation," the 74-year-old Kilicdaroglu told reporters after casting his ballot, Associated Press reported. "But I trust in the common sense of the people. Democracy will come, freedom will come, people will be able to wander the streets and freely criticise politicians." ALSO WATCH | Turkey Runoff Elections 2023: Is Erdogan inching closer to win? × Speaking to reporters after casting his vote at a school in Istanbul, Erdogan said that it was the first presidential runoff election in Turkey’s history. But the incumbent president was also seen distributing cash to his supporters shortly after he cast his ballot. "I pray to God, that it (the election) will be beneficial for our country and nation," Erdogan said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Turkey presidential run-off results: Erdogan leads as rival Kilicdaroglu banks on people's 'common sense'

Voters will head to polling booths once again in Turkey, as the nation will experience its first-ever runoff election for the president. Voters will decide whether the incumbent Recep Tayyip Erdogan extends his rule into a third decade or the opposing candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu secures a historic win.

Turkey elections: Voters to head to polls again in Turkey's first-ever runoff

<p>Turkey's&nbsp;President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was seen handing out cash to supporters after casting his vote in the runoff vote of presidential election on Sunday.</p>

<p>The incumbent head of state handed out bank notes worth 200 liras (approximately $10) each, and shook hands with supporters who were lined up outside the door, Reuters reported.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-elections-this-man-is-a-coward-rival-blasts-erdogan-ahead-of-sundays-presidential-run-off-597276">Turkey elections: 'This man is a coward', rival blasts Erdogan ahead of Sunday's presidential run-off</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier on May 14, before&nbsp;the first round of the presidential poll, Erdogan was seen handing out cash to kids.</p>

<h2><strong>Erdogan's voting day cash handout: What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>Turkish law bars candidates from campaigning on election day. The country's election oversight authorities are yet to take note of Erdogan's cash handout act.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Erdogan hands out cash to kids before casting his vote, appearing to violate Turkish law, which bars candidates from campaigning on election day: <a href="https://t.co/dm1dHMiCgB">pic.twitter.com/dm1dHMiCgB</a></p>
— David Lepeska (@dlepeska) <a href="https://twitter.com/dlepeska/status/1657676031602376705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, on Sunday, cheers also erupted among supporters of Erdogan's rival&nbsp;Kemal Kilicdaroglu as he arrived to cast his vote in the country’s election runoff on Sunday.</p>

<p>Supporters chanted "People’s President Kilicdaroglu" as the leader of Turkey’s opposition came out of the polling station, waving to the crowd.</p>

<p>While Erdogan has defied early opinion polls and came out ahead in the first round, Kilicdaroglu’s supporters are holding out hope for a change in the country’s leadership.</p>

<p>A&nbsp;win for Erdogan will extend his rule into its third decade.</p>

<p>Voting started at 8 AM (0500 GMT) and will finish at 5 PM (1400 GMT).</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Turkey elections: Voters to head to polls again in Turkey's first-ever runoff</strong></p>

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<p>The outcome is expected to start becoming clear by early evening local time. Polling stations were reportedly quieter in many places than two weeks ago, when turnout was 89 per cent.</p>

<p>Turkey had a runoff vote on Sunday because none of the presidential candidates could achieve 50 percentage points of votes.</p>

<p>The ongoing presidential election in Turkey has been widely described as one of the most consequential in the country's modern history. This is because it comes shortly after a devastating earthquake that left a trail of over 50,000 dead in the country and extended its currency plunge against the dollar.</p>

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Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was seen handing out cash to supporters after casting his vote in the runoff vote of presidential election on Sunday. The incumbent head of state handed out bank notes worth 200 liras (approximately $10) each, and shook hands with supporters who were lined up outside the door, Reuters reported.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was seen handing out cash to supporters after casting his vote in the runoff vote of presidential election on Sunday. The incumbent head of state handed out bank notes worth 200 liras (approximately $10) each, and shook hands with supporters who were lined up outside the door, Reuters reported. ALSO READ | Turkey elections: 'This man is a coward', rival blasts Erdogan ahead of Sunday's presidential run-off Earlier on May 14, before the first round of the presidential poll, Erdogan was seen handing out cash to kids. Erdogan's voting day cash handout: What does it mean? Turkish law bars candidates from campaigning on election day. The country's election oversight authorities are yet to take note of Erdogan's cash handout act. Erdogan hands out cash to kids before casting his vote, appearing to violate Turkish law, which bars candidates from campaigning on election day: pic.twitter.com/dm1dHMiCgB — David Lepeska (@dlepeska) May 14, 2023 × Meanwhile, on Sunday, cheers also erupted among supporters of Erdogan's rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu as he arrived to cast his vote in the country’s election runoff on Sunday. Supporters chanted "People’s President Kilicdaroglu" as the leader of Turkey’s opposition came out of the polling station, waving to the crowd. While Erdogan has defied early opinion polls and came out ahead in the first round, Kilicdaroglu’s supporters are holding out hope for a change in the country’s leadership. A win for Erdogan will extend his rule into its third decade. Voting started at 8 AM (0500 GMT) and will finish at 5 PM (1400 GMT). ALSO WATCH | Turkey elections: Voters to head to polls again in Turkey's first-ever runoff × The outcome is expected to start becoming clear by early evening local time. Polling stations were reportedly quieter in many places than two weeks ago, when turnout was 89 per cent. Turkey had a runoff vote on Sunday because none of the presidential candidates could achieve 50 percentage points of votes. The ongoing presidential election in Turkey has been widely described as one of the most consequential in the country's modern history. This is because it comes shortly after a devastating earthquake that left a trail of over 50,000 dead in the country and extended its currency plunge against the dollar. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Turkey elections: Erdogan gives cash to supporters in stark violation of Turkish law

Will Erdogan’s term as Turkish leader come to an end? Will the united opposition finally hold power? Turkish voters will decide this Sunday in the second round of the May 28 presidential elections. Ananya Dutta decodes Turkey's biggest poll.

The West Asia Post: Turkey nears crucial run-off

Turkiye's runnoff elections: Turkiye to again vote on May 28

<p>Ahead of the second round of election in Turkey, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the presidential candidate of the Nation's Alliance, has accused President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of obstructing his election campaign.</p>

<p>The opposition candidate took to Twitter and called Erdogan a "coward" and added that he is "completely under blackout."</p>

<p>"Constant slander, lies, conspiracies, irregularities at the ballot boxes, efforts to ban observers, manipulated videos... And now, [telecommunication companies] are even blocking our ability to send a short message to announce our program to journalists," he alleged</p>

<p>Addressing Turkish&nbsp;President Erdogan, Kilicdaroglu said, "Should I not participate in the election? Is this what you want? Elections cannot be held in Turkey."</p>

<p>"This man is a coward, a coward who is causing the country to decline. We are reaching a point where elections cannot be held. What do you want from this country? Coward."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Turkey Election 2023: Erdogan accepts runoff in elections</strong></p>

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<p>Earlier,&nbsp;Kilicdaroglu had alleged that the dissemination of a text message his campaign meant to be sent to prospective voters was obstructed.</p>

<p>Kilicdaroglu's accusations come ahead of the runoff vote between Erdogan sand Nation's Alliance leader&nbsp;on Sunday.</p>

<h2><strong>Erdogan Vs&nbsp;Kilicdaroglu: Who stands where?</strong></h2>

<p>In the first round of voting on May 14, Erdogan got 49.5 per cent&nbsp;support, falling just short of the majority needed to avoid a runoff.</p>

<p>Kilicdaroglu, the candidate of a six-party opposition alliance, received 44.9 per cent support. Nationalist candidate Sinan Ogan came third with 5.2% support and was eliminated. Ogan subsequently threw his weight behind Erdogan and supported his re-election bid.</p>

<p>Erdogan, therefore, leads in the first round by 2.5 million votes and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-elections-2023-erdogan-takes-an-early-lead-reports-suggest-country-headed-for-may-28-runoffs-592441">remains the favourite to win</a>.</p>

<p>However, his rival believes the margin could still be bridged, either by eliminated candidate&nbsp;Ogan's&nbsp;2.8 million supporters or by the eight million voters who did not turn out in the first round.</p>

<p>At present,&nbsp;Erdogan seems confident of his win. He is reported to be focusing his previous successes, and his election campaign has emphasised on&nbsp;continuity.</p>

<p>On Sunday, it will be the first time Turkish voters would go to vote&nbsp;for a second time to select their next president.</p>

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Ahead of the second round of election in Turkey, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the presidential candidate of the Nation's Alliance, has accused President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of obstructing his election campaign.

Ahead of the second round of election in Turkey, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the presidential candidate of the Nation's Alliance, has accused President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of obstructing his election campaign. The opposition candidate took to Twitter and called Erdogan a "coward" and added that he is "completely under blackout." "Constant slander, lies, conspiracies, irregularities at the ballot boxes, efforts to ban observers, manipulated videos... And now, [telecommunication companies] are even blocking our ability to send a short message to announce our program to journalists," he alleged Addressing Turkish President Erdogan, Kilicdaroglu said, "Should I not participate in the election? Is this what you want? Elections cannot be held in Turkey." "This man is a coward, a coward who is causing the country to decline. We are reaching a point where elections cannot be held. What do you want from this country? Coward." ALSO WATCH | Turkey Election 2023: Erdogan accepts runoff in elections × Earlier, Kilicdaroglu had alleged that the dissemination of a text message his campaign meant to be sent to prospective voters was obstructed. Kilicdaroglu's accusations come ahead of the runoff vote between Erdogan sand Nation's Alliance leader on Sunday. Erdogan Vs Kilicdaroglu: Who stands where? In the first round of voting on May 14, Erdogan got 49.5 per cent support, falling just short of the majority needed to avoid a runoff. Kilicdaroglu, the candidate of a six-party opposition alliance, received 44.9 per cent support. Nationalist candidate Sinan Ogan came third with 5.2% support and was eliminated. Ogan subsequently threw his weight behind Erdogan and supported his re-election bid. Erdogan, therefore, leads in the first round by 2.5 million votes and remains the favourite to win. However, his rival believes the margin could still be bridged, either by eliminated candidate Ogan's 2.8 million supporters or by the eight million voters who did not turn out in the first round. At present, Erdogan seems confident of his win. He is reported to be focusing his previous successes, and his election campaign has emphasised on continuity. On Sunday, it will be the first time Turkish voters would go to vote for a second time to select their next president. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Turkey elections: 'This man is a coward', rival blasts Erdogan ahead of Sunday's presidential run-off

Third place finisher in Turkey elections, Sinan Ogan has endorsed Erdogan in the Presidential race. Will his 2.8 million supporters make the same choice? Has Erdogan already won the elections?

Turkiye's kingmaker makes decision on run-off, endorses Erdogan |

Turkiye is headed into round two of the high stake Presidential elections after the first round ended inconclusively. Incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan missed the required 50% by a whisker. His main rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu came in second with 44% of the votes. Many pre-poll surveys expected Kemal to dethrone Erdogan after 20 years. But, when that didn't happen reports started floating around of electoral malpractice.

Turkiye May 14 Presidential elections ended inconclusively

Turkey's main opposition party has filed complaints over suspected irregularities at thousands of ballot boxes in Sunday's landmark election, in which President Tayyip Erdogan performed better than expected.

Turkey: Republican People's party and Green Left Party allege ballot irregularities

Opposition parties in Turkiye have alleged irregularities in the general elections which took place last Sunday. The accusations come as President Erdogan is set to compete with opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu in a Presidential runoff. Erdogan has emerged as the leading candidate in the elections that were held to elect both the President as well as the Parliament narrowly missing the 50% mark required to register victory. But, opposition parties claim that these elections were marred by thousands of discrepancies and ballot irregularities.

Turkiye general elections 2023: Parties claim thousands of discrepancies and ballot irregularities

There's a whole new dimension to the high stakes through elections that has now moved into the runoff round that is after neither Turkish President Erdogan nor the Opposition candidate Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, could secure the 50% threshold.

Turkey Elections: The final twist in the tale is yet to come - Who will Sinan Ogan support? | WION

Turkey's Presidential election is headed for a run-off after none of the candidates managed to secure a majority. On May 28th, President Recep Erdogan will be facing rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Who will win? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Turkey Elections: Erdogan vs Kilicdaroglu in May 28 run-off

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