Economy shakes Erdogan's chances for the 2023 elections

Following the recent economic crisis in Turkey and the devaluation of the lira against the dollar, the Sunday Times reported on the dissatisfaction of the middle class and the supporters of the government with the current situation and predicted that the ruling party would give up the next elections.

According to the report, many AKP voters have given up on the party due to the recent economic crisis. One of the signs of this is the handover of the cities of Istanbul and Ankara in the last local elections by the AKP.

While Erdogan has had more than 50 percent of the middle class support during his tenure, that support has dropped to less than 30 percent in recent years. The Sunday Times has analyzed that Erdogan's chances for the 2023 elections are very shaky. Even his tricks to make enemies of foreign powers are no longer bought in the country.

"It has become very difficult for Turkish middle-class citizens to understand the new situation," the article said, referring to Turkey's recent crisis over drug shortages in the country's pharmacies. 

While middle-class Turkish citizens used to travel abroad for holidays, they are now storing medicine in their homes. "Manufacturers also seem to be raising the prices of their products before the actual price increases, which is a matter of concern."

The Sunday Times cited the effects of the economic crisis in an article based on opinion polls and interviews with the Turkish people and votes cast for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Justice and Development Party (AKP).