This is an OZY Special Briefing, an extension of the Presidential Daily Brief. The Special Briefing tells you what you need to know about an important issue, individual or story that is making news. Each one serves up an interesting selection of facts, opinions, images and videos in order to catch you up and vault you ahead. WHAT TO KNOW What happened? The party of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has lost power in Ankara, the country’s capital, and possibly Istanbul, the country’s largest city. The Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) defeat is an enormous blow to Erdogan, who has monopolized Turkish politics since becoming prime minister in 2003. Mansur Yavas, a member of the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), won the mayoral election in Ankara with 51 percent of the vote, while Mehmet Ozhaseki (pictured) of the AKP came away with 47 percent. The opposition is also ahead in Istanbul’s election, according to the local state-run news agency. The AKP says it will challenge the election results in both cities. Why does it matter? This is Turkey’s biggest political upset since a failed coup attempt in 2016. Erdogan notoriously has little tolerance for criticism, and the AKP has already said it expects the election results to shift in its favor. While Erdogan still has a strong support base, around 44 percent, the country is struggling with corruption, inefficiency and a failing economy. Sunday’s voter turnout of more than 80 percent indicates that Turkish citizens could be ready for change. |