Statements from Turkish opposition leaders, Turkish news agencies

Erdogan Hints at 2028 Presidential Run During Şanlıurfa Event

Jan 12, 2025, 04:49 AM

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has indicated the possibility of running for a third term in the 2028 presidential elections. Speaking at the 8th Provincial Congress of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) in Şanlıurfa, Erdogan responded to a question from prominent Turkish singer Ibrahim Tatlıses about his potential candidacy, saying, "If you are for it, then I am for it." This marks the first time Erdogan has publicly suggested his interest in another term. However, the Turkish Constitution currently prohibits a third presidential term. To enable his candidacy, either a constitutional amendment or early elections would be necessary. Early elections require the approval of 360 out of 600 parliamentary members, a majority the AKP and its coalition partner, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), do not currently hold. MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli has previously expressed support for a constitutional revision to allow Erdogan to run again.