The longest-serving leader of Turkey, who won 52.2 percent of the vote in the runoff election on May 28, was just sworn in as president of Turkey for the third time in a row. With a new five-year term, erdogan is free to continue the nation's increasingly authoritarian policies, which have polarised society while also strengthening its position as a military power in the region.

Turkey’s Erdogan takes oath as president after historic win

Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to take the oath of office and start his third presidential term Saturday following his latest election win.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to be sworn in before Turkey's General Assembly

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

Gravitas Global Headlines: NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg to attend Erdogan's swearing in ceremony

<p>As NATO countries push for Sweden's membership into the bloc, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is all set to visit Turkey on 3-4 June 2023. A statement by the alliance said that&nbsp;Stoltenberg is visiting the Middle-Eastern nation to&nbsp;attend the inauguration ceremony for the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in Ankara on Saturday, 3 June.</p>

<p>In addition to attending the ceremony, the NATO chief will also hold bilateral meetings with President Erdogan and with senior Turkish officials, the statement added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indian-scientists-discover-62-plants-that-can-live-without-water-in-western-ghats-599626">Indian scientists discover 62 plants that can live without water in Western Ghats</a></p>

<p>The Turkish president was re-elected last week and will head the government for yet another five-year term, defeating main opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Secretary-General will also have bilateral meetings with President Erdogan and senior Turkish officials.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-2611-attack-accused-tahawwur-rana-challenges-extradition-to-india-599609">US: Mumbai 26/11 attack accused Tahawwur Rana challenges order of his extradition to India</a><br />
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US has been pushing Turkey to remove hurdles and endorse Sweden's bid to join NATO. NATO Secretary General who was in Oslo for the bloc's foreign ministers' meeting said, "There are no guarantees but it's absolutely possible to reach a solution and enable the decision on full membership for Sweden by then."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The next NATO summit will be held in Vilnius, Lithuania on July 11-12, 2023.&nbsp;Stoltenberg said that Sweden is "within reach" to join the summit in time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There are no guarantees but it's absolutely possible to reach a solution and enable the decision on full membership for Sweden by then," Stoltenberg told reporters in Oslo on the eve of a NATO foreign ministers' meeting to prepare for the summit.</p>

<h2><strong>Hungary, Turkey yet to ratify Sweden’s NATO&nbsp;joining&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Though Finland formally joined the military alliance in April, Sweden is still struggling in its bid for membership. Turkey and Hungary are the only two member countries yet to ratify Sweden's membership bid. While raising the issue of Kurdish militants, Turkey is still in opposition to Sweden's membership in the bloc.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Hollywood star Bruce Willis' daughter Tallulah talks about her father's daily battle with dementia</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, Hungarian government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs earlier said that there are&nbsp; ample "grievances" that need to be addressed before Sweden's admission is ratified.&nbsp;As per reports, Budapest is not moving forward with its support for Sweden over its criticism of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's record on democracy and the rule of law.</p>

<h2><strong>Sweden&nbsp;calls on Turkey, Hungary for ratification&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom on Thursday called on Turkey and Hungary "to start the ratification of the Swedish membership to NATO".</p>

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As NATO countries push for Sweden's membership into the bloc, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is all set to visit Turkey on 3-4 June 2023. A statement by the alliance said that Stoltenberg is visiting the Middle-Eastern nation to attend the inauguration ceremony for the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in Ankara on Saturday, 3 June.

As NATO countries push for Sweden's membership into the bloc, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is all set to visit Turkey on 3-4 June 2023. A statement by the alliance said that Stoltenberg is visiting the Middle-Eastern nation to attend the inauguration ceremony for the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in Ankara on Saturday, 3 June. In addition to attending the ceremony, the NATO chief will also hold bilateral meetings with President Erdogan and with senior Turkish officials, the statement added. Also Read | Indian scientists discover 62 plants that can live without water in Western Ghats The Turkish president was re-elected last week and will head the government for yet another five-year term, defeating main opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu. The Secretary-General will also have bilateral meetings with President Erdogan and senior Turkish officials. Also Read | US: Mumbai 26/11 attack accused Tahawwur Rana challenges order of his extradition to India US has been pushing Turkey to remove hurdles and endorse Sweden's bid to join NATO. NATO Secretary General who was in Oslo for the bloc's foreign ministers' meeting said, "There are no guarantees but it's absolutely possible to reach a solution and enable the decision on full membership for Sweden by then." The next NATO summit will be held in Vilnius, Lithuania on July 11-12, 2023. Stoltenberg said that Sweden is "within reach" to join the summit in time. "There are no guarantees but it's absolutely possible to reach a solution and enable the decision on full membership for Sweden by then," Stoltenberg told reporters in Oslo on the eve of a NATO foreign ministers' meeting to prepare for the summit. Hungary, Turkey yet to ratify Sweden’s NATO joining Though Finland formally joined the military alliance in April, Sweden is still struggling in its bid for membership. Turkey and Hungary are the only two member countries yet to ratify Sweden's membership bid. While raising the issue of Kurdish militants, Turkey is still in opposition to Sweden's membership in the bloc. Watch | Hollywood star Bruce Willis' daughter Tallulah talks about her father's daily battle with dementia × Meanwhile, Hungarian government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs earlier said that there are ample "grievances" that need to be addressed before Sweden's admission is ratified. As per reports, Budapest is not moving forward with its support for Sweden over its criticism of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's record on democracy and the rule of law. Sweden calls on Turkey, Hungary for ratification Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom on Thursday called on Turkey and Hungary "to start the ratification of the Swedish membership to NATO". 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. ×

NATO chief to visit Turkey, push Erdogan for ratification of Sweden’s bloc membership

Sweden has not lost all hope as far as its NATO membership is considered it aspires to be a part of North Atlantic Treaty Organization or the NATO by the time the block holds its Summit in Lithuanian capital city of Vilnius in July this is in line with statements coming from senior officials from Washington.

NATO FMs meet in Norway: Sweden's Turkey bid likely to dominate talks

<p>NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg sounded positive but a bit still guarded about Sweden's bid to join the alliance. His latest statement came after US urged Turkey to clear way for Sweden. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is fresh from an election victory.</p>

<p>Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said it was "within reach" for Sweden to join in time for the July 11-12 NATO summit in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius.</p>

<p>"There are no guarantees but it's absolutely possible to reach a solution and enable the decision on full membership for Sweden by then," Stoltenberg told reporters in Oslo on the eve of a NATO foreign ministers' meeting to prepare for the summit.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | US President Biden &amp; his Turkey counterpart Erdogan discuss F-16, Sweden in NATO</strong></p>

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<p>Sweden and Finland changed their neutral stance last year after Russian invasion of Ukraine and applied to become members of NATO. However, the decision to induct a new member must be taken unanimously by existing members. Turkey allowed Finland to become NATO member in April but it is still blocking Sweden's bid.</p>

<p>Turkey has been raising the issue of Kurdish militants.</p>

<h2><strong>'Sweden is ready'</strong></h2>

<p>US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that that the Swedish government has already addressed Turkey's concerns.</p>

<p>"There is no reason for any further time. Sweden is ready now," Blinken told a news conference with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in the northern Swedish city of Lulea.</p>

<p>"We urge both Turkey and Hungary -- which also has not yet ratified -- to ratify the accession as quickly as possible," he said.</p>

<p>The State Department said that Blinken raised Sweden's case with Turkey in a telephone call with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. The issue had also come up during phone conversation between US President Joe Biden and Turkish President Erdogan. Biden had called Erdogan to congratulate him on his election victory.</p>

<p>Blinken said the United States wants the process to be "completed in the weeks ahead" but stopped short of saying if he was certain it would be finished by the summit.</p>

<h2><strong>Turkey's unhappiness</strong></h2>

<p>Erdogan has in past expressed his displeasure against Sweden's generous asylum policies and has accused the country of giving shelter to 'terrorists' from the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The PKK is outlawed in Turkey.</p>

<p>The topic came to the fore as late as Monday, when the pro-Kurdish Rojava Committee of Sweden posted an anti-Erdogan video on social media. The video showed a PKK flag being projected onto the Swedish parliament.</p>

<p>Stoltenberg said he was in "constant contact" with Turkish authorities to try to lift the final obstacles to Sweden's accession.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg sounded positive but a bit still guarded about Sweden's bid to join the alliance. His latest statement came after US urged Turkey to clear way for Sweden.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg sounded positive but a bit still guarded about Sweden's bid to join the alliance. His latest statement came after US urged Turkey to clear way for Sweden. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is fresh from an election victory. Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said it was "within reach" for Sweden to join in time for the July 11-12 NATO summit in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius. "There are no guarantees but it's absolutely possible to reach a solution and enable the decision on full membership for Sweden by then," Stoltenberg told reporters in Oslo on the eve of a NATO foreign ministers' meeting to prepare for the summit. Watch | US President Biden & his Turkey counterpart Erdogan discuss F-16, Sweden in NATO × Sweden and Finland changed their neutral stance last year after Russian invasion of Ukraine and applied to become members of NATO. However, the decision to induct a new member must be taken unanimously by existing members. Turkey allowed Finland to become NATO member in April but it is still blocking Sweden's bid. Turkey has been raising the issue of Kurdish militants. 'Sweden is ready' US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that that the Swedish government has already addressed Turkey's concerns. "There is no reason for any further time. Sweden is ready now," Blinken told a news conference with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in the northern Swedish city of Lulea. "We urge both Turkey and Hungary -- which also has not yet ratified -- to ratify the accession as quickly as possible," he said. The State Department said that Blinken raised Sweden's case with Turkey in a telephone call with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. The issue had also come up during phone conversation between US President Joe Biden and Turkish President Erdogan. Biden had called Erdogan to congratulate him on his election victory. Blinken said the United States wants the process to be "completed in the weeks ahead" but stopped short of saying if he was certain it would be finished by the summit. Turkey's unhappiness Erdogan has in past expressed his displeasure against Sweden's generous asylum policies and has accused the country of giving shelter to 'terrorists' from the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The PKK is outlawed in Turkey. The topic came to the fore as late as Monday, when the pro-Kurdish Rojava Committee of Sweden posted an anti-Erdogan video on social media. The video showed a PKK flag being projected onto the Swedish parliament. Stoltenberg said he was in "constant contact" with Turkish authorities to try to lift the final obstacles to Sweden's accession. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

NATO optimistic about Sweden membership bid after US appeals Turkey for nod

<p>US President Joe Biden and Turkey's re-elected President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke over phone on Monday (May 29). The US president said later on that Erdogan repeated Turkey's desire to buy F-16 fighter jets from the US. Biden conveyed&nbsp;Erdogan that the US was keen for Turkey to drop its objection to Sweden joining NATO. Biden had called Erdogan to congratulate him on his election victory.</p>

<p>"I spoke to Erdogan. I congratulated Erdogan. He still wants to work out something on the F-16s. I told him we wanted to deal with Sweden, so let's get that done. And so we'll be back in touch with one another," Biden told reporters before departing the White House for Delaware.</p>

<p>"We're going to talk more about it next week," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Erdogan and the policies that helped him win Turkey presidential runoff</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>If a country is to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), all existing members must approve the bid. Turkey and Hungary are yet to approve Sweden's bid to join the alliance.</p>

<p>Turkey has sought to buy $20 billion worth of F-16s and nearly 80 modernization kits from the United States, but the sale has been stalled due to objections from the US Congress over Ankara's problematic human rights record and Syria policy, even though the Biden administration has repeatedly said it supports the sale.</p>

<p>Earlier this year, when Turkey ratified Finland's NATO accession, the US Congress approved a much smaller USD 259 million package for Turkey within days. The package included avionics software upgrades for Turkey's current fleet of F-16 fighter aircraft.</p>

<h2><strong>Quid pro quo?</strong></h2>

<p>The US government has repeatedly rejected assertions that the F-16 sale was being delayed in order to obtain Turkey's approval for new NATO bids. However, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in January this year that it was made clear by the US side that approval of NATO bids would be viewed positively by the US Congress.</p>

<p>A bipartisan group of senators in a February letter to Biden said Turkey's failure to ratify the accession protocols for Sweden and Finland, which was still waiting at the time, would "call into question this pending sale", referring to the F-16s.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/rise-and-rise-of-turkish-president-recep-tayyip-erdogan-name-etched-in-gold-but-challenge-not-over-597903">Rise and rise of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan: Name etched in gold, but challenge not over</a></strong></p>

<p>AFP quoted an unnamed source who said that the US had previously told Turkey that if it&nbsp;doesn't greenlight Sweden, it would be hard to approve the F-16 deal.</p>

<p>Sweden as well as Finland applied for NATO membership last year, ditching long-held policies of military non-alignment following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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US President Joe Biden and Turkey's re-elected President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke over phone on Monday (May 29). The US president said later on that Erdogan repeated Turkey's desire to buy F-16 fighter jets from the US.

US President Joe Biden and Turkey's re-elected President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke over phone on Monday (May 29). The US president said later on that Erdogan repeated Turkey's desire to buy F-16 fighter jets from the US. Biden conveyed Erdogan that the US was keen for Turkey to drop its objection to Sweden joining NATO. Biden had called Erdogan to congratulate him on his election victory. "I spoke to Erdogan. I congratulated Erdogan. He still wants to work out something on the F-16s. I told him we wanted to deal with Sweden, so let's get that done. And so we'll be back in touch with one another," Biden told reporters before departing the White House for Delaware. "We're going to talk more about it next week," he added. Watch | Erdogan and the policies that helped him win Turkey presidential runoff × If a country is to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), all existing members must approve the bid. Turkey and Hungary are yet to approve Sweden's bid to join the alliance. Turkey has sought to buy $20 billion worth of F-16s and nearly 80 modernization kits from the United States, but the sale has been stalled due to objections from the US Congress over Ankara's problematic human rights record and Syria policy, even though the Biden administration has repeatedly said it supports the sale. Earlier this year, when Turkey ratified Finland's NATO accession, the US Congress approved a much smaller USD 259 million package for Turkey within days. The package included avionics software upgrades for Turkey's current fleet of F-16 fighter aircraft. Quid pro quo? The US government has repeatedly rejected assertions that the F-16 sale was being delayed in order to obtain Turkey's approval for new NATO bids. However, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in January this year that it was made clear by the US side that approval of NATO bids would be viewed positively by the US Congress. A bipartisan group of senators in a February letter to Biden said Turkey's failure to ratify the accession protocols for Sweden and Finland, which was still waiting at the time, would "call into question this pending sale", referring to the F-16s. Also Read | Rise and rise of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan: Name etched in gold, but challenge not over AFP quoted an unnamed source who said that the US had previously told Turkey that if it doesn't greenlight Sweden, it would be hard to approve the F-16 deal. Sweden as well as Finland applied for NATO membership last year, ditching long-held policies of military non-alignment following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Biden congratulates Erodogan for poll win, discusses F-16s, NATO with Turkish leader

In first days of the Ukraine war, Turkey emerged as an irreplaceable mediator between Moscow & Kyiv, as western nations were not enthusiastic about talking to Putin. The growing importance of Turkey's defence industry has made it an important player which directly affects western interests. the Turkish-made Bayraktar tb-2 armed drones have proven themselves very effective in multiple conflicts in the past years.

US President Biden & his Turkey counterpart Erdogan discuss F-16, Sweden in NATO

US President Joe Biden and Turkey's fresh-from-election-victory President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke with each other on a phone call on Monday (May 29). The US president said later on that Erdogan repeated Turkey's desire to buy F-16 fighter jets from the US. Biden conveyed Erdogan that the US was keen for Turkey to drop its objection to Sweden joining NATO. Biden had called Erdogan to congratulate him on his election victory.

Biden calls up Erdogan to congratulate, later talked about F-16s, NATO as well

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%.

Turkey Elections 2023: Erdogan back for another five years

Turkey Elections 2023: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wins runoff polls

After 20 years in power, Erdogan has managed to extend his dream. This election in Turkey was touted to be a litmus test for his political career and he won a historic run-off. But this election also unmasked how polarised Turkish society has become.

Turkey's President Erdogan's ties with Putin worry the west

Turkey's President Erdogan shifts towards an anti-west stance

<p>For Turkey's presidential election run-off that concluded on Sunday, the result is in and the verdict is out. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has won the unprecedented run-off vote, trumping his rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu, to claim the beginning of his third decade into power in Ankara's corridors of power, data published by state-run Anadolu news agency showed. &nbsp;On the other hand, United States President Joe Biden said on Sunday (May 28) that a final bipartisan deal to raise the US debt ceiling now heads to Congress. The deal was struck with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy just a few days before the deadline day.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more</strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-presidential-run-off-results-erdogan-trumps-kilicdaroglu-in-historic-vote-597594">Turkey presidential run off results: Erdogan trumps Kilicdaroglu in historic vote</a></strong></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/28/355027-untitled-design-2023-05-28t223135560.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>According to the Supreme Election Council, Erdogan defeated his opponent Kemal Kilicdaroglu with 52.14 per cent of the vote in the second round of voting on Sunday. Kilicdaroglu garnered 47.86 per cent of the vote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The development occurs two weeks after the incumbent president failed to secure more than 50 per cent of the votes required for an outright victory in the first round on May 14.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-deal-to-raise-debt-ceiling-heads-to-congress-biden-urges-passage-597641">US: Deal to raise debt ceiling heads to Congress, Biden urges passage</a></strong></p>

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<p>Joe Biden has urged "both chambers to pass that agreement" and also noted that he did not make too many concessions to end a debt limit crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a brief appearance before the media at the White House, Biden said, "I think it's a really important step forward. It takes the threat of a catastrophic default off the table."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-preparing-to-launch-satellite-in-the-coming-weeks-says-japan-597647">North Korea preparing to launch satellite in the coming weeks, says Japan</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/29/355057-succession-68.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>North Korea has informed Japan of its plan to launch what it calls a &nbsp;'satellite' &nbsp;between May 31 and June 11, said a Japanese coast guard official on Monday.</p>

<p>As per Japanese officials, the launch is set to involve a ballistic projectile, according to a tweet from the prime minister's office that alludes to a "ballistic missile that it (Pyongyang) describes as a satellite."</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-president-lukashenko-rushed-to-hospital-after-meeting-with-putin-opposition-leader-597612">Belarus President Lukashenko rushed to hospital after meeting with Putin: Report</a></strong></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/28/355033-wion-images-2023-05-28t233438763.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has "urgently" been taken to a hospital in Moscow and now is in critical condition after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin, said the Belarus opposition leader, Valery Tsepkalo. According to Tsepkalo, Lukashenko was taken to Moscow’s Central Clinical Hospital after his meeting with Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | India conducts national cyber defence exercise amid escalating threats&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>India's national security agencies, in collaboration with the tri-services, are presently engaged in a weeklong cyber defence exercise to assess the durability of India's essential civilian and military infrastructure, as stated by officials in the know. With the threat of cyberattacks from China and other adversaries intensifying daily, the exercise is aimed at testing the resilience of India's critical infrastructure.</p>

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For Turkey's presidential election run-off that concluded on Sunday, the result is in and the verdict is out. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has won the unprecedented run-off vote, trumping his rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu, to claim the beginning of his third decade into power in Ankara's corridors of power, data published by state-run Anadolu news agency showed.

For Turkey's presidential election run-off that concluded on Sunday, the result is in and the verdict is out. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has won the unprecedented run-off vote, trumping his rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu, to claim the beginning of his third decade into power in Ankara's corridors of power, data published by state-run Anadolu news agency showed. On the other hand, United States President Joe Biden said on Sunday (May 28) that a final bipartisan deal to raise the US debt ceiling now heads to Congress. The deal was struck with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy just a few days before the deadline day. Click on the headlines to read more Turkey presidential run off results: Erdogan trumps Kilicdaroglu in historic vote According to the Supreme Election Council, Erdogan defeated his opponent Kemal Kilicdaroglu with 52.14 per cent of the vote in the second round of voting on Sunday. Kilicdaroglu garnered 47.86 per cent of the vote. The development occurs two weeks after the incumbent president failed to secure more than 50 per cent of the votes required for an outright victory in the first round on May 14. US: Deal to raise debt ceiling heads to Congress, Biden urges passage Joe Biden has urged "both chambers to pass that agreement" and also noted that he did not make too many concessions to end a debt limit crisis. In a brief appearance before the media at the White House, Biden said, "I think it's a really important step forward. It takes the threat of a catastrophic default off the table." North Korea preparing to launch satellite in the coming weeks, says Japan North Korea has informed Japan of its plan to launch what it calls a 'satellite' between May 31 and June 11, said a Japanese coast guard official on Monday. As per Japanese officials, the launch is set to involve a ballistic projectile, according to a tweet from the prime minister's office that alludes to a "ballistic missile that it (Pyongyang) describes as a satellite." Belarus President Lukashenko rushed to hospital after meeting with Putin: Report Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has "urgently" been taken to a hospital in Moscow and now is in critical condition after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin, said the Belarus opposition leader, Valery Tsepkalo. According to Tsepkalo, Lukashenko was taken to Moscow’s Central Clinical Hospital after his meeting with Putin. WATCH | India conducts national cyber defence exercise amid escalating threats India's national security agencies, in collaboration with the tri-services, are presently engaged in a weeklong cyber defence exercise to assess the durability of India's essential civilian and military infrastructure, as stated by officials in the know. With the threat of cyberattacks from China and other adversaries intensifying daily, the exercise is aimed at testing the resilience of India's critical infrastructure. ×

Morning news brief: Erdogan trumps Kilicdaroglu in historic vote, US debt ceiling deal, and more

India, China and other countries congratulate Erdogan on his historic win

Erdogan emerges victorious in historic Turkey run-off

Recep Tayyip Erdogan has won the Turkey presidential runoff elections by a margin of over 2 million votes. There are a few key factors which may have helped Erdogan win the runoffs. One of them is Erdogan's inclusive policies. He is celebrated by poorer and more rural areas of Turkey because of the modernisation of once-dilapidated cities. The other factor that could have worked in his favour is the vote of those living aboard. It's a sizeable chunk with 3.4 million out of Turkey's 64.1 million registered voters. And Erdogan enjoys a considerable popularity among overseas voters.

Erdogan and the policies that helped him win Turkey presidential runoff

<p>For Turkey's presidential election run-off that concluded on Sunday, the result is in and the verdict is out. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has won the unprecedented run-off vote, trumping his rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu, to claim the beginning of his third decade into power in Ankara's corridors of power, data published by state-run Anadolu news agency showed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the Supreme Election Council, Erdogan defeated his opponent Kemal Kilicdaroglu with 52.14 per cent of the vote in the second round of voting on Sunday. Kilicdaroglu garnered 47.86 per centt of the vote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The development occurs two weeks after the incumbent president failed to&nbsp;secure more than 50 per cent of the votes required for an outright victory in the first round on May 14.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Erdogan had won 49.per cent of the vote on May 14, while his rival Kilicdaroglu had received 44.88 per cent.</p>

<p>This was for the first time in Turkey's history that a second run off vote was required for the final presidential election result.</p>

<p>"We can say bye bye to Kemal. Bye bye and bye Kemal," Erdogan told a roaring crowd of supporters in Istanbul as the counting of votes closed.</p>

<h2><strong>No one can look down on our people: Erdogan after clinching presidency</strong></h2>

<p>Referring to the congratulatory wishes that poured in towards Erdogan after his victory in the presidential polls appeared imminent, Erdogan said that countries are "sharing their joy" of his electoral win. "No one can look down on our people," he added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="tr">Congratulations to President <a href="https://twitter.com/RTErdogan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RTErdogan</a> on his unquestionable election victory! Tebrikler, Sayın Cumhurbaşkanı! <a href="https://t.co/I1IR7g3EWe">pic.twitter.com/I1IR7g3EWe</a></p>
— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) <a href="https://twitter.com/PM_ViktorOrban/status/1662860463921590274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kilicdaroglu led a strong campaign in the days leading up to the run-off, while attempting to bring nationalists on his side by blowing the rhetoric over divisive Syrian refugees' issue.</p>

<p>Turkey will be continued to be run by Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the president since 2014 and&nbsp;prime minister from 2003.</p>

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For Turkey's presidential election run-off that concluded on Sunday, the result is in and the verdict is out. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has won the unprecedented run-off vote, trumping his rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu, to claim the beginning of his third decade into power in Ankara's corridors of power, data published by state-run Anadolu news agency showed. According to the Supreme Election Council, Erdogan defeated his opponent Kemal Kilicdaroglu with 52.14 per cent of the vote in the second round of voting on Sunday. Kilicdaroglu garnered 47.86 per centt of the vote. The development occurs two weeks after the incumbent president failed to secure more than 50 per cent of the votes required for an outright victory in the first round on May 14. Erdogan had won 49.per cent of the vote on May 14, while his rival Kilicdaroglu had received 44.88 per cent. This was for the first time in Turkey's history that a second run off vote was required for the final presidential election result. "We can say bye bye to Kemal. Bye bye and bye Kemal," Erdogan told a roaring crowd of supporters in Istanbul as the counting of votes closed. No one can look down on our people: Erdogan after clinching presidency Referring to the congratulatory wishes that poured in towards Erdogan after his victory in the presidential polls appeared imminent, Erdogan said that countries are "sharing their joy" of his electoral win. "No one can look down on our people," he added. Congratulations to President @RTErdogan on his unquestionable election victory! Tebrikler, Sayın Cumhurbaşkanı! pic.twitter.com/I1IR7g3EWe — Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) May 28, 2023 × Kilicdaroglu led a strong campaign in the days leading up to the run-off, while attempting to bring nationalists on his side by blowing the rhetoric over divisive Syrian refugees' issue. Turkey will be continued to be run by Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the president since 2014 and prime minister from 2003. 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 trumps Kilicdaroglu in historic vote

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 2023: Erdogan takes leads with over 89% of votes counted

Turkey Elections 2023: Third candidate Sinan Ogan decalred his support for Erdogan

Turkey Elections 2023: Presidential candidates urge voters to turn out in large numbers

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidpX6Hf9lEjHxn" /><meta charset="utf-8" />Voting started in Turkey's first-ever runoff election on Sunday (May 28) which could see President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extend his rule for a third decade. Voting started at 8 am (0500 GMT) and would close at 5 pm. President Erdogan won the first round on May 14 but fell just short of an outright majority against his secular challenger Kemal Kilicdaroglu.</p>

<p>Kilicdaroglu, 74, is the candidate of a six-party opposition alliance and leads the Republican People's Party (CHP). His camp has struggled to regain momentum after the shock of trailing Erdogan in the first round.</p>

<p>The outcome of the runoff election would start becoming clearer by early Sunday evening, the news agency Reuters reported.</p>

<h2><strong>What will this election decide?</strong></h2>

<p>This election would decide not only who leads Turkey, but also how the country is governed, where its economy is headed after the currency plunged to one-tenth of its value against the dollar in a decade and the shape of foreign policy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>President Erdogan's critics have said his government muzzled dissent, eroded rights and brought the judicial system under its sway, a charge denied by officials.</p>

<p>Economists, on the other hand, pointed out that it was Erdogan's unorthodox policy of low-interest rates despite surging prices that drove inflation to 85% last year, and the lira slumping to one-tenth of its value against the dollar over the last decade, Reuters reported on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When it comes to foreign affairs, Turkey forged closer ties with Russia, and its relations with the United States and the European Union (EU) became increasingly strained.</p>

<h2><strong>The voting numbers</strong></h2>

<p>Over 64 million Turkish citizens were eligible to vote (on Sunday) at nearly 192,000 polling stations. And there are 3.4 million voters overseas, who voted between May 20-24. Polling stations across the country opened at 8 am (0500 GMT) on Sunday and close at 5 pm (1400 GMT). The sale of alcohol is banned on election day.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>When will the result&nbsp;be out?</strong></h2>

<p>The new election rules state that news, forecasts and commentaries about the vote are banned till 6 pm (1500 GMT) and media are only free to report on the election results from 9 pm (1800 GMT).&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the High Election Board may allow the media to report on results earlier, Reuters reported. The results of the runoff election are likely to emerge earlier than they did on May 14 because of the relative simplicity of the ballot paper.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Voting started in Turkey's first-ever runoff election on Sunday (May 28) which could see President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extend his rule for a third decade. Voting started at 8 am (0500 GMT) and would close at 5 pm.

Voting started in Turkey's first-ever runoff election on Sunday (May 28) which could see President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extend his rule for a third decade. Voting started at 8 am (0500 GMT) and would close at 5 pm. President Erdogan won the first round on May 14 but fell just short of an outright majority against his secular challenger Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Kilicdaroglu, 74, is the candidate of a six-party opposition alliance and leads the Republican People's Party (CHP). His camp has struggled to regain momentum after the shock of trailing Erdogan in the first round. The outcome of the runoff election would start becoming clearer by early Sunday evening, the news agency Reuters reported. What will this election decide? This election would decide not only who leads Turkey, but also how the country is governed, where its economy is headed after the currency plunged to one-tenth of its value against the dollar in a decade and the shape of foreign policy. President Erdogan's critics have said his government muzzled dissent, eroded rights and brought the judicial system under its sway, a charge denied by officials. Economists, on the other hand, pointed out that it was Erdogan's unorthodox policy of low-interest rates despite surging prices that drove inflation to 85% last year, and the lira slumping to one-tenth of its value against the dollar over the last decade, Reuters reported on Sunday. When it comes to foreign affairs, Turkey forged closer ties with Russia, and its relations with the United States and the European Union (EU) became increasingly strained. The voting numbers Over 64 million Turkish citizens were eligible to vote (on Sunday) at nearly 192,000 polling stations. And there are 3.4 million voters overseas, who voted between May 20-24. Polling stations across the country opened at 8 am (0500 GMT) on Sunday and close at 5 pm (1400 GMT). The sale of alcohol is banned on election day. When will the result be out? The new election rules state that news, forecasts and commentaries about the vote are banned till 6 pm (1500 GMT) and media are only free to report on the election results from 9 pm (1800 GMT). However, the High Election Board may allow the media to report on results earlier, Reuters reported. The results of the runoff election are likely to emerge earlier than they did on May 14 because of the relative simplicity of the ballot paper. (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.

Erdogan Vs Kilicdaroglu: Voting starts in Turkey’s first-ever presidential election runoff

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

Turkish authorities have reportedly arrested 11 people suspected of spying on Iranian targets for Israel. The cell allegedly had targeted one company and 23 individuals who conducted commercial relations with Iran. What's the story? What do these arrests mean for Israel and Turkey relations? Listen in to Vikram Chandra.

Mossad spy ring busted in Turkey, 11 arrested. What is the story?

Reports say two of the suspects from the Mossad ring are Turkish citizens

Turkiye will go to polls to on sunday, a presidential election run-off between the incumbent president Tayyip Erdogan and his political rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu will decide the path the country's domestic and foreign policy will take. But one question on everyone's mind is will Erdogan make a comeback?

Turkey Runoff Elections 2023: Is Erdogan inching closer to win?

Sunday's presidential election runoff between Erdogan, the incumbent, and Kilicdaroglu, his opponent, will take place in Turkey. The outcome of the runoff will determine whether President Erdogan stays in power for a third decade, making it one of the most important elections in Turkey's recent history.

Turkey Runoff Elections 2023: Competing leaders engage in intense campaign

<p>Shabazz Suleman, a 27-year-old British man from High Wycombe, has been sentenced to life in prison by a UK court for travelling to Syria nearly a decade ago to join the Islamic State (ISIS) group. Judge Mark Lucraft, who presided over the case at London's Old Bailey criminal court, highlighted that Suleman knowingly joined an organisation proscribed under English law.</p>

<h2><strong>What did the judge say?</strong></h2>

<p>"You went to Syria in order to join IS. You understood IS was a proscribed organisation in English law," said Judge Mark Lucraft as he passed the sentence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The judge also noted that Suleman's intention was to become a sniper within ISIS.</p>

<p>"Your ambition was to become a sniper."</p>

<h2><strong>Guilty plea and the sentence</strong></h2>

<p>Suleman, who pleaded guilty last month, admitted to preparing acts of terrorism by travelling from the UK to Turkey in August 2014 at the age of 18, with the purpose of joining ISIS in Syria.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-carolina-judge-temporarily-blocks-abortion-ban-pending-supreme-court-review-596939">South Carolina judge temporarily blocks abortion ban, pending supreme court review</a></strong></p>

<p>Under the life sentence, Suleman will serve a minimum term of nine years and six months.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>How did an 18-year-old join ISIS?</strong></p>

<p>He disappeared during a family holiday in Turkey. This, as per the news agency AFP, Turkey, which borders Syria, is a common route for Western individuals aspiring to join jihadist groups in Syria.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the court proceedings, prosecutor Duncan Atkinson revealed that Suleman was detained by Turkish forces while attempting to travel to Syria, but later chose to participate in a prisoner exchange with ISIS.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Once in Syria, he shared his experiences on social media and gave incriminating interviews to Sky News.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Shabazz Suleman's arrest and charges against him</strong></h2>

<p>In September 2021, Suleman was arrested at Heathrow Airport and charged with several terror offences, including firearms training and membership in a proscribed organisation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexicos-olmec-portal-of-the-underworld-returns-home-after-five-decades-in-us-596915">Mexico's Olmec 'Portal of the Underworld' returns home after five decades in US</a></strong></p>

<p>However, the prosecution decided to leave the two specific charges on file as Suleman's guilty plea already addressed them. This means that although the charges were not dropped entirely, they were not pursued separately as they were already encompassed by his admission of guilt.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Escaping the ISIS</h2>

<p>Suleman's defence lawyer, Abdul Iqbal, described him as an "immature and idealistic" young man who initially wanted to help people in distress and participated in non-combat duties within ISIS.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Suleman eventually became "disenchanted" with jihadism and attempted to desert the terrorist group.</p>

<p>Iqbal emphasized that his client "firmly" decided to leave the terrorist organisation within five months of joining.</p>

<p>After the collapse of ISIS, Suleman was captured by a faction of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) in 2017. He was subsequently transferred to Turkey and later to Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>


Shabazz Suleman, a 27-year-old British man from High Wycombe, has been sentenced to life in prison by a UK court for travelling to Syria nearly a decade ago to join the Islamic State (ISIS) group.

Shabazz Suleman, a 27-year-old British man from High Wycombe, has been sentenced to life in prison by a UK court for travelling to Syria nearly a decade ago to join the Islamic State (ISIS) group. Judge Mark Lucraft, who presided over the case at London's Old Bailey criminal court, highlighted that Suleman knowingly joined an organisation proscribed under English law. What did the judge say? "You went to Syria in order to join IS. You understood IS was a proscribed organisation in English law," said Judge Mark Lucraft as he passed the sentence. The judge also noted that Suleman's intention was to become a sniper within ISIS. "Your ambition was to become a sniper." Guilty plea and the sentence Suleman, who pleaded guilty last month, admitted to preparing acts of terrorism by travelling from the UK to Turkey in August 2014 at the age of 18, with the purpose of joining ISIS in Syria. Also read | South Carolina judge temporarily blocks abortion ban, pending supreme court review Under the life sentence, Suleman will serve a minimum term of nine years and six months. How did an 18-year-old join ISIS? He disappeared during a family holiday in Turkey. This, as per the news agency AFP, Turkey, which borders Syria, is a common route for Western individuals aspiring to join jihadist groups in Syria. During the court proceedings, prosecutor Duncan Atkinson revealed that Suleman was detained by Turkish forces while attempting to travel to Syria, but later chose to participate in a prisoner exchange with ISIS. Once in Syria, he shared his experiences on social media and gave incriminating interviews to Sky News. Shabazz Suleman's arrest and charges against him In September 2021, Suleman was arrested at Heathrow Airport and charged with several terror offences, including firearms training and membership in a proscribed organisation. Also read | Mexico's Olmec 'Portal of the Underworld' returns home after five decades in US However, the prosecution decided to leave the two specific charges on file as Suleman's guilty plea already addressed them. This means that although the charges were not dropped entirely, they were not pursued separately as they were already encompassed by his admission of guilt. Escaping the ISIS Suleman's defence lawyer, Abdul Iqbal, described him as an "immature and idealistic" young man who initially wanted to help people in distress and participated in non-combat duties within ISIS. However, Suleman eventually became "disenchanted" with jihadism and attempted to desert the terrorist group. Iqbal emphasized that his client "firmly" decided to leave the terrorist organisation within five months of joining. After the collapse of ISIS, Suleman was captured by a faction of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) in 2017. He was subsequently transferred to Turkey and later to Pakistan.

British man receives life sentence for trying to join ISIS in Syria

<p>Turkish economy is witnessing a downturn as the country's currency, the lira, plunged to a record low of over 20 against the US dollar on Friday (May 26).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The lira touched 20.00 against the U.S. currency and continued to impend near that level. It closed at 19.8695 on Thursday (May 25) and has dropped 6.4% so far this year.</p>

<p>Since the first round of Turkey's presidential election, which took place on May 14, Turkey's sovereign dollar bonds and equities have descended, whereas the cost of certifying exposure to Turkish debt has risen.</p>

<p>Erdogan, on Thursday evening, in an interview said that the Gulf states had recently sent funding to Turkey, briefly helping facilitate the central bank and markets. He further added that he plans to meet and thank the leaders of the countries personally after Sunday's runoff.</p>

<h2><strong>Erdogan takes an early lead in polls</strong></h2>

<p>Turkey held one of the most important elections in the country's modern 100-year history on May 14. The pivotal, crucial election could have significant consequences for the country's future, it could extend the current President's two-decade grip on power or put the mostly Muslim nation on a more secular course. As per preliminary results, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took an early lead.</p>

<p>Turkish state news agency Anadolu showed the incumbent president picking up more than 51 per cent of the vote, while his main challenger Kemal Kilicdaroglu trailed with around 43 per cent.</p>

<p>Anadolu's figures, as per AFP, were based on 60 per cent of the ballots. However, Kilicdaroglu, in a tweet, claimed that his party's own vote count showed him winning.</p>

<p>"We are leading," he wrote.</p>

<p>A count by the pro-opposition Anka news site showed that the two leaders were tied, falling just short of the 50-per cent threshold needed to avoid a May 28 runoff.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both Anka and Anadolu show third-party candidate Sinan Ogan was picking up five per cent of the vote.</p>

<p>Early votes from heavily pro-government districts appeared to be giving Erdogan the lead, but as more ballots were counted, his lead appeared to be shrinking.</p>

<p>"We are seeing a positive picture, according to our data," opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) spokesman Faik Oztrak told the press.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that they would not release any numbers until the number of opened ballot boxes reach a meaningful level.</p>

<p>"We will start to give the numbers when the number of opened ballot boxes reaches a meaningful level."<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Turkish economy is witnessing a downturn as the country's currency, the lira, plunged to a record low of over 20 against the US dollar on Friday (May 26). The lira touched 20.

Turkish economy is witnessing a downturn as the country's currency, the lira, plunged to a record low of over 20 against the US dollar on Friday (May 26). The lira touched 20.00 against the U.S. currency and continued to impend near that level. It closed at 19.8695 on Thursday (May 25) and has dropped 6.4% so far this year. Since the first round of Turkey's presidential election, which took place on May 14, Turkey's sovereign dollar bonds and equities have descended, whereas the cost of certifying exposure to Turkish debt has risen. Erdogan, on Thursday evening, in an interview said that the Gulf states had recently sent funding to Turkey, briefly helping facilitate the central bank and markets. He further added that he plans to meet and thank the leaders of the countries personally after Sunday's runoff. Erdogan takes an early lead in polls Turkey held one of the most important elections in the country's modern 100-year history on May 14. The pivotal, crucial election could have significant consequences for the country's future, it could extend the current President's two-decade grip on power or put the mostly Muslim nation on a more secular course. As per preliminary results, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took an early lead. Turkish state news agency Anadolu showed the incumbent president picking up more than 51 per cent of the vote, while his main challenger Kemal Kilicdaroglu trailed with around 43 per cent. Anadolu's figures, as per AFP, were based on 60 per cent of the ballots. However, Kilicdaroglu, in a tweet, claimed that his party's own vote count showed him winning. "We are leading," he wrote. A count by the pro-opposition Anka news site showed that the two leaders were tied, falling just short of the 50-per cent threshold needed to avoid a May 28 runoff. Both Anka and Anadolu show third-party candidate Sinan Ogan was picking up five per cent of the vote. Early votes from heavily pro-government districts appeared to be giving Erdogan the lead, but as more ballots were counted, his lead appeared to be shrinking. "We are seeing a positive picture, according to our data," opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) spokesman Faik Oztrak told the press. He added that they would not release any numbers until the number of opened ballot boxes reach a meaningful level. "We will start to give the numbers when the number of opened ballot boxes reaches a meaningful level." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Turkish lira witnesses record low ahead of presidential election runoff

Just days before the May 28th presidential runoffs, the Turkish Lira hit a new low of 20 to the US dollar, declining 6.4 percent so far this year. In addition, sovereign bonds and stocks have both declined.

Turkish currency plunges ahead of Presidential elections run-off

<p>Hasibe Kayaroglu hoped Turkey's presidential election would usher in changes.</p>

<p>Instead, days before a runoff Sunday that increasingly looks like a coronation for conservative President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the engineering student is thinking more than ever about living abroad.</p>

<p>"Young people have no more hope. Every night, the only thing we talk about with my roommate is how to leave," Kayaroglu said.</p>

<p>Five other young residents of Istanbul and Ankara interviewed since Sunday's May 14 general election have told AFP the same.</p>

<p>They all blame Erdogan, who came within a whisker of extending his two-decade rule until 2028 after a disappointing performance by his secular rival, Kemal Kilicdaroglu.</p>

<p>Many more young Turks are discussing leaving on social media, frustrated with their deteriorating outlook and everyday life.</p>

<p>"We live in a beautiful country that is not run properly -- and it's getting worse," said Emre Yoruk, who is also thinking of following the path taken by tens of thousands of young Turks every year.</p>

<p>"That's why a lot of young people go abroad."</p>

<p>A Konrad-Adenauer foundation survey published in early 2022 showed a whopping 72.9 percent of Turks in the 18-25 age bracket saying they would live abroad if given the chance.</p>

<p>"This figure is high even among young people supporting the AKP or the MHP," sociologist Demet Lukuslu, who studies youth culture at Istanbul's Yeditepe University, said referring to Erdogan's Islamic-rooted party and its far-right allies.</p>

<p>"Young people complain about the economic situation, but also about the overall climate, which makes them feel bad and over which they have no control."</p>

<h2><strong>- 'Sense of duty' -</strong></h2>

<p><br />
Polls show Erdogan's leftist rival being the preferred candidate of young people, who are generally less conservative than their elders.</p>

<p>But Kilicdaroglu won only 44.9 percent of the national vote, underperforming expectations and trailing Erdogan by nearly five points entering Turkey's first presidential runoff.</p>

<p>Ezgi, 25, said she has "lost all hope" for Kilicdaroglu and will only be voting Sunday "out of a sense of duty".</p>

<p>"If Erdogan wins, I will leave Turkey," said the Istanbulite, who is afraid that disclosing her last name could land her in "trouble".</p>

<p>Like some other women, Ezgi is particularly uneasy about the election of four lawmakers from the radical Kurdish Islamic Huda-Par party, which has joined Erdogan's alliance.</p>

<p>The party rejects women's rights and has ties to groups implicated in extrajudicial killings dating back decades.</p>

<p>Erdogan retained control of parliament on May 14, although his reshaped alliance is even more right wing than before.</p>

<p>"I deeply love my country, but I don't want to end up like the women in Iran," said Ezgi, who works in marketing and is thinking of emigrating to the Netherlands with her older sister.</p>

<h2><strong>- 'Despicable whims' -</strong></h2>

<p><br />
Emigration and Turkey's brain drain did not feature prominently during the campaign, whose second round is being dominated by debates about expelling millions of Syrian and other migrants.</p>

<p>But Erdogan has fulminated about the "despicable whims" of young people, who "knock on the door of other countries just to have a nicer car or a better phone".</p>

<p>Kilicdaroglu has also urged Turkey's best and brightest to return and help build a better country.</p>

<p>"Come back, young people. This country needs you," he tweeted in response to a video by a dozen graduates from a prestigious Istanbul university, who all went abroad but pledged to return should he ask them to.</p>

<p>One of these students, Omer Altan, who is completing his master's degree in electrical engineering at the Technical University of Denmark, thinks Kilicdaroglu still has a chance to come from behind and win.</p>

<p>"He will fight tooth and nail," Altan said.</p>

<p>"More and more young and old people are considering going abroad," he added, blaming the "inequalities and corruption" of modern Turkey.</p>

<p>Still, the 25-year-old plans to return regardless of Sunday's outcome.</p>

<p>"The re-election of Erdogan could also push me to come back to try and do good things. There will be a greater need to do good if Erdogan wins," Altan said.</p>

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Hasibe Kayaroglu hoped Turkey's presidential election would usher in changes. Instead, days before a runoff Sunday that increasingly looks like a coronation for conservative President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the engineering student is thinking more than ever about living abroad.

Hasibe Kayaroglu hoped Turkey's presidential election would usher in changes. Instead, days before a runoff Sunday that increasingly looks like a coronation for conservative President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the engineering student is thinking more than ever about living abroad. "Young people have no more hope. Every night, the only thing we talk about with my roommate is how to leave," Kayaroglu said. Five other young residents of Istanbul and Ankara interviewed since Sunday's May 14 general election have told AFP the same. They all blame Erdogan, who came within a whisker of extending his two-decade rule until 2028 after a disappointing performance by his secular rival, Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Many more young Turks are discussing leaving on social media, frustrated with their deteriorating outlook and everyday life. "We live in a beautiful country that is not run properly -- and it's getting worse," said Emre Yoruk, who is also thinking of following the path taken by tens of thousands of young Turks every year. "That's why a lot of young people go abroad." A Konrad-Adenauer foundation survey published in early 2022 showed a whopping 72.9 percent of Turks in the 18-25 age bracket saying they would live abroad if given the chance. "This figure is high even among young people supporting the AKP or the MHP," sociologist Demet Lukuslu, who studies youth culture at Istanbul's Yeditepe University, said referring to Erdogan's Islamic-rooted party and its far-right allies. "Young people complain about the economic situation, but also about the overall climate, which makes them feel bad and over which they have no control." - 'Sense of duty' - Polls show Erdogan's leftist rival being the preferred candidate of young people, who are generally less conservative than their elders. But Kilicdaroglu won only 44.9 percent of the national vote, underperforming expectations and trailing Erdogan by nearly five points entering Turkey's first presidential runoff. Ezgi, 25, said she has "lost all hope" for Kilicdaroglu and will only be voting Sunday "out of a sense of duty". "If Erdogan wins, I will leave Turkey," said the Istanbulite, who is afraid that disclosing her last name could land her in "trouble". Like some other women, Ezgi is particularly uneasy about the election of four lawmakers from the radical Kurdish Islamic Huda-Par party, which has joined Erdogan's alliance. The party rejects women's rights and has ties to groups implicated in extrajudicial killings dating back decades. Erdogan retained control of parliament on May 14, although his reshaped alliance is even more right wing than before. "I deeply love my country, but I don't want to end up like the women in Iran," said Ezgi, who works in marketing and is thinking of emigrating to the Netherlands with her older sister. - 'Despicable whims' - Emigration and Turkey's brain drain did not feature prominently during the campaign, whose second round is being dominated by debates about expelling millions of Syrian and other migrants. But Erdogan has fulminated about the "despicable whims" of young people, who "knock on the door of other countries just to have a nicer car or a better phone". Kilicdaroglu has also urged Turkey's best and brightest to return and help build a better country. "Come back, young people. This country needs you," he tweeted in response to a video by a dozen graduates from a prestigious Istanbul university, who all went abroad but pledged to return should he ask them to. One of these students, Omer Altan, who is completing his master's degree in electrical engineering at the Technical University of Denmark, thinks Kilicdaroglu still has a chance to come from behind and win. "He will fight tooth and nail," Altan said. "More and more young and old people are considering going abroad," he added, blaming the "inequalities and corruption" of modern Turkey. Still, the 25-year-old plans to return regardless of Sunday's outcome. "The re-election of Erdogan could also push me to come back to try and do good things. There will be a greater need to do good if Erdogan wins," Altan said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Sensing Erdogan victory, Turkish youth ponder life abroad

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