According to “Handelsblatt“, the reasons for the arrest of the popular mayor of Istanbul are transparent, and Erdogan's motives are clear: the president wants to secure his power. As “Handelsblatt“ points out, this is the usual scheme of dictatorships that struggle to maintain a democratic facade.
For a quarter of a century, Erdogan has been consistently establishing an autocratic regime in Turkey. And it is not surprising that he now thinks that this maneuver of his will succeed - because from a geopolitical point of view, things could not be more favorable for him. First of all, the president of the leading Western country recently personally legitimized this totalitarian arrogance.
Donald Trump clearly ignores democratic standards, and if the leader of a free America can do this, what is left for Erdogan and some others. Secondly, the Turkish president must be aware that Europe needs Turkey more than ever. The country is not only a key partner in controlling illegal migration, but also has the strongest army in NATO and plays a leading, if not always constructive, role in security and as a mediator between Europe and Russia.
There is also a risk for Erdogan
However, Erdogan's move, which will most likely call early elections, is not without risk. Unlike the Gezi Park protests in 2013, which at least initially were about the resistance of a few idealists, this time the president is facing off against Imamoglu's Republican People's Party, which is a definite political force: it is the party of the still much-revered founder of the state, Ataturk, Handelsblatt points out. The German publication writes that after many years of limitless repression, the Turkish opposition is now being renewed, and the power of Erdogan, who started as a moderate reformer, is increasingly weakening due to the country's ongoing economic crisis.
„Handelsblatt“ emphasizes that it will be of great importance how European partners react to Erdogan's act, which is both transparent and undemocratic. European capitals must send a clear signal of disapproval, since the large country on the Bosphorus has long been an example of how Islam and democracy do not contradict each other.
The moment is more than favorable
The Swiss „Neue Zürcher Zeitung“ (NCZ) also notes that Erdogan is taking advantage of the favorable moment to launch a strike against the legacy of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk - the creator of modern Turkey. This publication also writes that Erdogan has been undermining democracy and the rule of law for years, but the removal of his strongest opponent goes beyond these limits. Imamoglu should clearly be excluded as a competitor because the president does not want to compete with him in democratic elections. The former mayor of Istanbul is capable of defeating Erdogan in the vote, and the president does not want to think about the end of his political career.
The resistance to the "coup" in the country is great, the NCC points out. Despite the wave of repression, the ban on demonstrations, tear gas and arrests, tens of thousands of citizens continue to take to the streets. But why is Erdogan striking right now, the Swiss publication asks. The answer is: because the circumstances allow, and the interests of his strategic allies are favorable to delivering such a blow. The president is at the peak of his power: a possible peace agreement is being prepared with the Kurds, his allies are in power in Syria. And something even more important: the Americans want, and the Europeans must give him freedom of action. The authoritarian Islamist has no reason to worry about Trump, writes the NCC. Relations between the two presidents are excellent and getting better - Trump's weakness for strongmen is well known.
Turkey is important to both the US and Europe
But Erdogan also has something concrete to offer, explains the Swiss publication: he supports the American peace initiative in the Russian war against Ukraine. This is important for Washington, since Turkey plays a central role as a Black Sea country and guardian of the Bosphorus. And Erdogan is interested in arms deals with the Americans. Erdogan cannot expect any difficulties from the Europeans in connection with his move. Brussels has expressed concern, but will probably stop there, as the EU has long been much more dependent on Ankara than vice versa.
For ten years, Turkey has been holding back Syrian refugees on their way to Europe and receiving money for it. And after the Russian attack on Ukraine and Trump's retreat from Europe, Turkey has become even more important to the EU - especially in terms of arms supplies and military matters. The sad conclusion is: the Turks are left alone in the fight for democracy, the NCC summarizes.