Turkish Politics

While true, the merits of a workforce that can think for itself and make it's own decisions might be lost on someone who aspires to greater political power...

Protests, day eight or so: they seem to be showing no sign of abating; in fact, several big groups have reportedly joined in, and not only the President but also the Deputy PM have come out saying the government dun goofed.

The Thatcher comparison is a bit exaggerated, though. Erdogan seemed to be on track to be a democratic authoritarian, an elected populist strongman; depending on how things turn out in Taksim, we'll hopefully see the end of that.

It was intended to be a flippant call-back for British tropers, not a serious comparison. Though it is a good example of how mass-action can achieve what electoral democracy could not.

I heard on the radio that Erdogan was "returning" to Ankara (from where I dont know) and the protest leaders were calling for a more massive demonstration.

He's been out of the country for a planned trip to North Africa since this Monday.

Ah, so they are planning a rather big "welcome" for him when he returns.

He has returned, and actually, there were actual welcomers at the airport, the supporters of Erdoğan. There, he made the most provoking, most hateful speech possible to the crowd, amidst the chants like "Turkey is here, where is Taksim?", "Tell us to do it and we will crush Taksim" and "Allahu Akbar". He did nothing to soften the climate, promoted hatred and lied about the protesters telling that they burned the Turkish flag. It would be better if he hadn't spoke at all. I have no idea what he's trying to do.

edited 6th Jun '13 8:30:11 PM by amateur55

Vaguely relevant, but highly amusing.

Turkish PM to protesters: Stop now

It does sound like he's saying some pretty dodgy things: "No power but Allah can stop Turkey's rise".

I listened to the most recent From Our Own Correspondant podcast for the chance to catch up on this. A large part of the problem appears to be Erdogan is authoritative and doesn't back down. This is behind much of his popularity because past prime ministers were seen as wishy-washy. But as he's been in control for so long, he's looking increasingly dictatorial. He will not want to be seen to waver or even listen in the slightest to the protesters. On the contrary, he'll continue to attack them.

I like these people.

Can someone who knows how to Photoshop turn that last one into a forum avatar?

He sees them chapuling, he hatin'.

Sending it to you.

(I used Paint, though; maybe someone will make you a better image with another program.)

EDIT: It seems to be in your gallery now. I'm deleting it from mine.

edited 9th Jun '13 6:27:16 AM by BestOf

Thank you good sir!

Riot police have begun to move into Taksim Square in an attempt to evict the protestors.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-22851765

Even if they do force them out there I can't see this quelling the overall situation.

It's happening again

"Erdogan has agreed to meet with representatives of the demonstrators today, and said that legitimate demands will be heard. The government has acknowledged the use of excessive police force, and promised an investigation..."

Why am I suddenly getting this feeling of deja vu? Oh, this might be why: Turkey protests: Clashes continue despite PM's warning. -_-

A bit late to the party. But for those wondering about the orange stuff that is riot marker. It is used to mark rioters with a long lasting dye so they can be tracked and arrested at a later time.

Lookit what I found.

I assume it's taking place in Turkey?

Erdogan gives a warning/ultimatum.

I've been watching the news, so far not much seems to be happening.

Meanwhile, Even in Erdogans heartland some have their doubts.

"...In a conservative neighborhood like Esenler, the AKP’s Islamic credentials have certainly won it a fair share of sympathy, Akman said, but it’s the party’s commitment to doling out jobs and public services that pays the biggest dividends at the polls. “If a party cozies up to you but doesn’t give you a job or feed your stomach,” he said, “there’s no way you’re going to vote for it again.”

Even in Esenler, however, tremors from the antigovernment demonstrations held across Turkey are being felt. On Friday night, residents said, anywhere from several hundred to 2,000 people protested by banging pots and pans in the local square."

I'm surprised the protests still aren't fading away. We're almost two weeks in, yes? I'd give them another week or so at the outside before people stop paying attention and they pull an Occupy and disperse.

Regardless, what will matter will be the long-term effects the protests will have on the AKP. We've already seen several very prominent AKP officials express sympathy with the protesters; it might induce them to further break ranks with Erdogan. Especially since the Turkish opposition is still too divided to get much done.