Ultranationalist Ogan supports Erdogan – the opposition’s chances are shrinking Meta collects record fines of 1.2 billion euros

The first ballot eagerly awaited the decision of the ultra-nationalist, politicking third-place winner. An election recommendation for both Erdogan and Kilicadaroglu seemed possible, even though Ogan has always been closer to Erdogan in his positions.

Already during the elections of 14 May it became clear that Sinan Ogan could play a decisive role in a possible second vote in the Turkish presidential elections.

As Ogan eventually received more than five percent of the vote, he was assigned the role of kingmaker – if the nationalist backed opposition candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu, he would have a realistic chance of contesting Erdogan’s office on the second ballot.

However, should Ogan speak out in favor of the incumbent president, Erdogan’s re-election could hardly be avoided – and that is exactly what happened. Ogan told Turkish TV that it is important that Turkey’s next president belongs to the same political alliance that won the majority in parliament. He also considers the opposition’s alliance insufficiently effective and promising to lead Turkey into the future.

Ogan had sought concessions on his policies from both camps in the days leading up to his decision. Erdogan, from a position of strength after the first round result, rejected the demands. Kilicdaroglu tried to appeal to Ogan voters with a more radical stance on migration. He also ruled out peace talks with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party PKK in order to endear himself to the Ogan public. At least he couldn’t convince Ogan himself with that. (con)