The Political Importance of Refugee Issues in the Turkish Runoff Election

The recent presidential election in Turkey was a big moment for the country’s future. Incumbent Recep Tayyip Erdogan came out on top, with 49.5% of the vote compared to his opponent Muharrem İnce Kilicdaroglu’s 30.7%. This result has shifted the focus of politics in the country and made it clear that the issue of migrants and refugees is set to be an important part of the debate going forward.

Erdogan has already made it clear that he wishes to encourage immigration from Syria, providing financial assistance for those Syrians who wish to return to their homeland. This plan has been met with a mixed reaction from both political and social groups in the country, with many of them expressing concern about the impact it could have on communities and the economy.

With such a large number of refugees and migrants living in Turkey, there is understandable fear that Erdogan’s plans could lead to them being deported back to their home countries. This has been a major concern among refugees and migrants living in Turkey, which is why opposition leader Muharrem İnce Kilicdaroglu has been vocal in his disapproval of the plan and is now focusing much of his campaign energy on this issue.

The situation in Turkey is a complicated one as it is entering a period of great political and social change. It is clear that whatever happened in the election, Immigration will remain a major issue for the government and the population for some time to come. Whether the discussion leads to a more positive atmosphere for refugees and migrants in the country or not remains to be seen, but what is certain is that the Turkish people, the government, and the international community are all paying close attention to the future.