A survey conducted by Bupar Research and Consultancy from 23 to 31 December 2024 has unveiled significant public discontent with the leadership of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey’s socio-economic struggles, and the unresolved Kurdish question. The study, involving 2,420 participants across 12 regions and 26 sub-regions, provides a comprehensive snapshot of the nation’s priorities and concerns.
The survey found that 65.7% of respondents opposed amending the constitutional two-term limit to allow Erdoğan to run for a further term. This reflects a growing resistance to Erdoğan’s leadership amid mounting economic and political challenges. Turkey’s commitment to democratic and secular values remains strong. A significant 87.4% of respondents deemed democracy essential, while 75.5% affirmed the necessity of secular principles in governance.
Participants expressed considerable scepticism about the government’s approach to the Kurdish question. While most participants supported a resolution of the long-standing issues, many questioned the government’s sincerity, seeing its actions as political manoeuvres to secure Kurdish votes rather than genuine efforts for peace. In addition, 68.2% opposed Erdoğan’s policy on Syrian refugees, highlighting wider concerns about the government’s regional strategies.
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Economic issues remain at the forefront of the nation’s concerns, with 85% identifying inflation and poverty as the country’s most pressing problems. Other concerns include utility costs (45%) and housing expenses (44%), reflecting widespread financial strain. Key policy issues reveal stark divisions, with 55.3% disapproving of Turkey’s Syria policy and 83.3% expressing distrust in the increasingly powerful Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet).
Erdoğan has been at the helm of Turkish politics since 2003, serving first as Prime Minister and later transitioning to the presidency in 2014. His tenure has been marked by increasing centralisation of power and polarisation within the country. However, the results of the March 2024 local elections marked a significant political shift. The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) lost key cities to the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). The AKP secured only 35.5% of the overall vote, trailing behind the CHP, which emerged victorious with 37.7%. This electoral defeat intensified discussions about the future of Erdoğan’s leadership and the AKP’s declining influence.
