Erdogan Faces Rare Rebellion Within His Party as Economy Weakens
- Former prime minister says AKP must face new reality
- Deteriorating economy and U.S. standoff hang over Turkey
Ahmet Davutoglu and Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Photographer: Adem Altan/AFP via Getty Images
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was confronted with a rare sign of rebellion within the governing party as former allies attacked his leadership following a sharp deterioration in the economy and stinging losses in local elections last month.
Ahmet Davutoglu, who was once Erdogan’s handpicked successor at the helm of the ruling AK Party, said it “must face the reality of decreasing public support” due to “arrogant” policies. The former prime minister’s written statement on Monday avoided any personal criticism of Erdogan, though ripped into policies under the president from the management of economy to curbing of basic liberties and the pressure on free speech.