Erdogan signals 3rd presidential bid during AK Party congress, fueling discussions
President and ruling AK Party Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdogan attends the AK Party's 8th Provincial Congress at the GAP Arena Indoor Sports Hall in Sanliurfa, Türkiye Jan. 11, 2025. (AA Photo)
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s response to renowned Turkish artist Ibrahim Tatlises’ suggestion that he run in the next presidential election has reignited debates about the possibility of him seeking a third term.
Erdogan’s remark, “If you’re in, I’m in,” during an exchange at the ruling Justice and Development Party’s (AK Party) eighth Ordinary Provincial Congress in the Turkish city of Sanliurfa, has sparked widespread speculation about his political future.
The exchange took place on Saturday, when Tatlises, the famous Turkish folk singer, joined the president on stage. After the president’s speech, Tatlises asked, “Will you run for president in the upcoming term?” Erdogan’s response of “If you’re in, I’m in” led to intense debate over the possibility of him seeking a third term.
In response, main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) Chairman Ozgur Ozel reacted to president’s remarks to Tatlises in Sanliurfa, saying, “We can make the election decision this week. We can’t wait for the handover. Let him not delay, let him instruct his group immediately, and let’s make the decision this week.”
Presidential advisor comments fuel controversy
Presidential Advisor Mehmet Ucum added fuel to the fire by confirming the possibility of an exceptional candidacy for the president, stating, “There is a constitutional provision for an exceptional candidacy for Erdogan. The possibility of an exceptional candidacy could come up in the second half of 2027.”
Ucum’s comments suggested that the president could pursue a third term despite having already served two terms as president.
Meanwhile, earlier in November 2024, Erdogan’s speech after a cabinet meeting was interpreted as a signal of his willingness to continue in office.
“As long as Allah grants us life and our nation concurs, we are going to continue to serve Turkiye and our nation,” he said, fueling speculation about his future plans.
However, no explicit confirmation from the president has been made regarding his intention to run for a third term in 2028. At this point, it is worth mentioning that no statement from President Erdogan could confirm his possible intention to run again in 2028.
Constitutional challenges and opposition resistance for Erdogan’s possible bid
The debate initially started after the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli proposed lifting the constitutional limits on presidential terms in November 2024. This proposal has led to internal discussions within the AK Party, especially in light of opposition calls for early elections.
A constitutional amendment, however, is required for the president to run for a third term, unless the Turkish Parliament triggers early elections. AK Party officials have outlined two potential paths for Erdogan’s third-term candidacy: a constitutional amendment or early elections triggered by Parliament. While securing enough votes for a constitutional amendment remains a challenge, early elections with opposition support are seen as a more feasible route.
Meanwhile, the main opposition CHP strongly opposes any constitutional changes that could pave the way for the current president to remain in office longer.
