Description

Synopsis:

• Turkey’s municipal elections are attracting attention due to significant political implications, with over 61 million voters across 81 provinces choosing among 34 parties.
• In Ankara, the opposition Republic People’s Party (CHP) mayor is expected to win, while Kurdish candidates are anticipated to succeed in key southeastern cities.
• The Istanbul mayoral race is crucial, with current mayor Ekrem Imamoglu seen as a challenger to President Erdogan and the AKP. A win for Imamoglu could elevate him to head the main opposition party.
• Local issues such as public services, traffic, and urban development projects like the proposed USD 15 billion canal project are prominent in the election discourse.
• Economic concerns, including high inflation, interest rates, and deficits, alongside efforts to attract external financing, are pivotal factors influencing investor sentiment in Turkey.