The patronage network behind Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s bid for third decade in power

Source:Financial Times Date:28May2023

Great analysis by FT.  Erdogan’s victory has little to do with rising nationalism, or fraud, or his effective propaganda. He merely turned conservative voters into clients.
Out of his Justice and Development party (AKP), formed in 2001, has emerged a sprawling system of influence, support and state largesse that many in the country have relied on for their living — and fear might end without Erdoğan in the presidency. “A significant segment of voters . . . feel that they depend on the AKP staying in power to continue to receive benefits from the state,” said Murat Somer, a political-science professor at Istanbul’s Koç University. “People who are in precarious situations think their relationship with the state depends on good relations with the AKP. They’re dependent on the AKP.”