Turkey Referendum

Petra So you mean there are lots of people in Turkey who would like a strict islamist sort of society? or is it more that they have been bribed?

ilovecheese
I can only speak for myself, but I think, yes, the more extreme form of Islam is on the rise.
As to bribing: if someone builds your town, village a new road, school, hospital and then asks for your vote ( in a very nice way you would be a fool to refuse. After all, what have you got to loose, your life is crap so it's a win win

I think I read somewhere that he has raised the standard of living for the very poorest in Turkey and therefore has the masses on side. I haven't been there, but I imagine from everything I read there is a sophisticated, westernised aspect in citities such as Istanbul, but time has probably stood still in the more rural areas and I suspect there is a disconnect between the two factions. Some who would like to be part of a western democracy and join the EU and a majority who would wish to remain entrenched in a strict Islamist theocracy.

Having seen countries to the East of them in turmoil for the sake of so called democracy, perhaps certain sections of Turkish society feel they will be safer and more stable under a dictatorship? For them democracy equals years of instability, enormous hardship with no end in sight, and with constant interference from other countries. After all so long as you tow the party line you should be fine, and all most people want is to get on with their lives in peace, however that is achieved. A fact that we in the democratic West simply fail to understand.

At least the people were able to vote on this matter ( which is something) Erdogan does seem very popular.Who knows if they made the right choice though, democracy and being able to vote politicians out, is a wonderful thing.

I wonder if Turkey had been allowed to join the EU things may have been different.

Sorry roses, the Turkish people are probably not going to be allowed to vote Erdogan out until 2029. Who knows what might have changed by then?

Petra Terribull Nigglynellie
Yes, I suppose that must be it. Maybe we would do the same in their position.

TerriBull
That's true. He has done an awful lot for the poor and uneducated. Is it just a coincidence that these are the people who want an Islamic state. He knew exactly who he had to win over. As I said before this has been the plan since he was mayor of Istanbul.
I think he's been playing the eu. If by some fluke he was accepted to join that was a bonus, if he didn't he's where he is now

Exactly ilovecheese When you ain't got nothing, you've got nothing to loose.

I like Turkey very much and had some lovely holidays there. The people were extremely nice.

Erdogan is apparently popular because he has lifted millions of people out of poverty - improving, housing, health, education, etc. That is admirable and it is perhaps understandable that he has so much support.

However, I'm sad and worried that what was once a secular country is now changing and seems to be less tolerant of a variety of beliefs, opinions and lifestyles.

All that's fine but don't forget the fact Erdogan has 'detained' tens of thousands of people, sacked thousands of people and wants to bring back the death penalty. Lord know what happened to those whom he accused of taking part in the Military Coup against him, not all are known of their whereabouts if I am not mistaken, happy to be told differently.

He now has 'total' control over the Parliament , he will shortly have the powers of a Dictator. Erdogan is so far refusing to accept there is cause for concern over the procedures for the ballot/vote and it's outcome , from 'any' source not just the Opposition Parties.

Erdogan has since taken the Presidency shown he has is prepared to use his power and ' influence ' to 'detain' those who oppose him so far. His reason for ultimate power is to take Turkey back to a hard line Muslim Nation and he has never been in favour of a Secular Turkey.

Erdogan may well not do it over night but it obvious he has a calculated plan and he now has achieved his goal.

If Erdogan wanted to be seen as being 'above board' he would surely be concerned to allay the concerns coming from various quarters as to how the referendum was held and the subsequent vote count and accusations of vote rigging.