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Turkish local elections: Opposition stuns Erdogan with historic victory

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The primary opposition party in Turkey has claimed significant victories in key cities such as Istanbul and Ankara in recent elections, dealing a substantial blow to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s aspirations. Erdogan, who had hoped to secure control of these cities less than a year after winning his third presidential term, faced defeat as the opposition secured victories.

Ekrem Imamoglu, representing the secular opposition CHP, secured his second victory in Istanbul, defeating the candidate backed by Erdogan’s AK Party by a considerable margin. Similarly, in Ankara, opposition mayor Mansur Yavas declared victory early on, with a significant lead over his opponent.

These results mark the first nationwide defeat for Erdogan’s party in over two decades. Despite Erdogan acknowledging the outcome, labeling it a turning point, it’s a significant setback for his party’s dominance, especially considering the sweeping powers amassed by the presidency under his leadership.

The opposition’s success is considered the biggest electoral defeat of Erdogan’s career, prompting speculation about the future of Turkish politics. Supporters of the opposition celebrated the outcome as a historic moment, signaling a desire for change in the country’s political landscape.

Imamoglu and Yavas, both seen as potential presidential candidates in the future, emerged as key figures in the opposition’s triumph. The victories in major cities like Istanbul, which holds substantial economic and cultural influence, underscore the opposition’s strength and its ability to challenge Erdogan’s rule.

Despite Erdogan’s party retaining control in certain regions, particularly in central Turkey, the election results reflect a significant shift in the country’s political dynamics. With a high voter turnout and the inclusion of a sizable number of young voters, the elections have reshaped Turkey’s political landscape and set the stage for potential changes in the upcoming presidential election in 2028.

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French march against antisemitism shakes up far right and far left

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In an unprecedented turn of events in Paris this weekend, a significant demonstration took place in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict, drawing representatives from major political parties. Notably, the far right, including Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella of the National Rally, participated, while the far left, led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon of France Unbowed, boycotted the event, citing it as a gathering for supporters of the Gaza massacre.

This shift is symbolic, considering historical political dynamics in France. Traditionally, the far right was ostracized due to its perceived anti-Republican views, especially on Jewish issues. The far left, on the other hand, despite criticism, remained part of the broader political spectrum. However, the current scenario reflects a shake-up in the political landscape.

The contemporary far right in France, now labeled as “hard right” or “national right,” has shifted focus from past anti-Semitic stances to prioritize issues such as immigration, insecurity, and Islamism, aligning with some Jewish perspectives. Meanwhile, the far left interprets the Gaza conflict through an anti-colonial lens, emphasizing solidarity with the oppressed against perceived superpower aggression.

This unusual alignment sees a party with a history of Holocaust denial, like the National Rally, supporting French Jews openly. Conversely, a party built on human rights and equality, like France Unbowed, faces accusations of antisemitism for not condemning Hamas as a terrorist organization.

While nuances exist, the overall trend shows the National Rally under Marine Le Pen successfully integrating into the mainstream, while France Unbowed under Jean-Luc Mélenchon appears to be distancing itself. Opinion polls reinforce this, with Marine Le Pen leading in presidential election polls, while Mélenchon’s support has declined.

Serge Klarsfeld, a prominent figure in the fight against antisemitism in France, acknowledges the irony. He appreciates the far right’s departure from antisemitism, seeing it align with Republican values, yet expresses sadness over the far left’s perceived abandonment of efforts to combat antisemitism.

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Polish Politics Grappling with ‘Ukraine Fatigue’ Concerns

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Since the outset of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Poland has been a staunch supporter of Kyiv, providing military aid and making a passionate case for this support as crucial to Poland’s own defense against Russian aggression. However, there has been a notable shift in the Polish government’s stance on Ukraine.

Recently, a change in tone has emerged, raising questions about Poland’s commitment to Kyiv. Some Polish officials have suggested that Ukraine should show more gratitude for Poland’s support. Poland’s prime minister even hinted at the possibility of ending weapons transfers to Ukraine, though others in his party tried to backtrack on that message.

Polish President Andrzej Duda made a particularly controversial statement, likening Ukraine to a drowning man who could potentially pull down his rescuers. Moscow seized upon these remarks with enthusiasm.

The downturn in relations between the two neighboring countries began over a dispute about grain imports that remains unresolved. Ukraine needs to export its harvest, and land routes are vital since Russia has been deliberately targeting ports on the Black Sea and the Danube River. However, Poland, in a bid to protect its own farmers, has restricted cheaper Ukrainian grain from entering its domestic market, only permitting it to transit to the rest of the European Union.

This shift in Poland’s stance is not occurring in isolation, as “Ukraine fatigue” is looming over election campaigns in various countries. Poland’s governing Law and Justice party (PiS), which is leading in the polls but faces tight margins, is positioning itself as the defender of Polish interests. PiS aims to attract conservative voters who may be sympathetic to the idea that Ukraine is not showing enough gratitude for Polish support.

Despite criticism from opposition politicians who label this shift as dangerous nationalism, Poland’s changing tone reflects a broader trend. Ukraine is concerned about maintaining strong Western support as it faces Russian forces, making this shift in Poland’s stance a cause for worry. However, Poland emphasizes that international aid will continue to reach Ukraine’s frontlines through Rzeszow in the east, a critical transit hub for military supplies. Talks between Ukraine and Poland regarding the grain dispute are ongoing.

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