Week in Review: Make or Break

Crunch Time

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during his election campaign rally in Istanbul, Turkey, 07 May 2023. Photo: EPA-EFE/TOLGA BOZOGLU

Rarely has more been riding on an election than in this weekend's two-in-one presidential and parliamentary vote in Turkey. Political and economic turmoil has left Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan weakened like never before. But will he be able to cling on regardless?

When Erdogan came to power just over two decades ago, he was in many ways a promising conservative democrat. Twenty years on, he is still a conservative, but to an increasingly critical mass of Turks, he is neither promising, nor a democrat. We take a look at the man for whom this election could prove make or break.

Read more: Erdogan: Democrat-Turned-Islamist Autocrat Faces His Hardest Test (May 11, 2023)

The Other Elections

Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, Minister of Justice Ulsi Manja and Blendi Gonxhe, head of the Directorate for Transportation, on Elez Isufi Boulevard in Peshkopia, May 1, 2023. Photo: Blerina Gjoka.

For lovers of Balkan elections, this weekend will be a double treat. While Turkish citizens choose their new president and parliament, Albanian voters will cast their ballots in local election races across the country.

The elections are especially important as the last time that they were held the opposition boycotted them. This time around, there is a prospect of the opposition returning to power at least in some corners of the country. Our report from Dibra municipality brings to life the spectacle of campaigning in local elections, Albanian style.

Read more: Elections Albanian Style: In Remote Town, Govt Flexes Muscles for Chosen...