What changes could 2023 elections bring about in lives of foreigners living in Turkey?

Turkey is rapidly moving towards the 2023 elections. As is known, there are hundreds of thousands of foreigners living or working in this country. It is also a well-known fact that Turkey has been going through very severe economic difficulties in recent years. So much so that even foreign friends who get their income in foreign currency have begun to complain about the financial difficulties of livelihood.

On the other hand, the fact that freedom of thought and speech is becoming more and more problematic in the country (as expressed by many opinion leaders/experts in opposition wing) seems to get more upsetting for foreigners living here, as well, not to forget some judiciary practices hurting consciences.

COULD CURRENT PARTY IN POWER WRITE ANOTHER SUCCESS STORY AFTER 20 YEARS?

Many wonder if the current government which has ruled the country for more than 20 years, can write another success story in the upcoming elections. In fact, the more so, when the possibility the opposition may achieve success in the elections is gaining strength, especially with the positive moves it has made recently. All or some of these points may be causing concern to many foreigners living in Turkey simply because these issues would be of great interest to them as well.

HOW COULD ELECTION RESULTS EFFECT FOREIGNERS LIVING IN TURKEY?

Looking at it from this perspective, the question at this point would be “how would the election results affect foreigners living in this country”.

To start off with, the current government seems to have brought the economy to an undesired point in terms of several indicators, as voiced by many experts / opinion leaders and chances do not seem to be very strong that it could succeed to recover it again, judging on its performance so far – and especially based on the most recent practices used. Moreover, the government seems to be making the situation even worse in terms of economy by applying electoral measures at the moment in order to win the election. Therefore, according to expert opinions once again, it is difficult to say better days would be waiting for Turkey and those living here, from an economic perspective in the first place, in case the government won the election.

On the other hand, the government which has a very strong control over the judiciary and legislation as voiced by opinion leaders, might have to get tougher in order to keep an unsatisfied and unhappy country under control, in case of a win in the election. Apparently the current picture obtained from all above arguments tell us “main issues, residents complain about, such as the inflation, currently raging, seem to have little chance of improving”, in case of an election victory by the party in power, currently.

WHAT IF OPPOSITION WINS?

If the opposition won on the other hand, many experts comment that the country could have the chance to recover from major undesired negative situations such as high inflation in the first place, provided the six-party table alliance stick to the programs shared and promises made  to the people of this country such as “practice of fair and law-abiding ruling, management of economy in accordance with globally accepted rules and also putting an end to corruption” are kept – not to forget upgrading freedom of speech in the country to global standards again.

Undoubtedly, a fair and transparent management in compliance with the rules of international law and globally accepted practices of economy would attract foreign capital to the country much easier and in larger scales which in return would help revive the economy. It goes without saying, the most important issue here is fair management and trust. So far, the opposition have made powerful promises in regards and if they manage to accomplish the above-mentioned programs and promises, this will undoubtedly have a most positive impact on the quality of life of a great majority living in this country, as well.