Erdogan: a classic case of power corrupting

Turkey defies the NATO charter that requires its members to "safeguard the freedom, common heritage and civilization of their peoples, founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law." By not adhering to these principles, Turkey risks being potentially expelled, especially now that Erdogan appears to be increasingly gravitating toward Moscow.

Civil society: The EU Progress Report 2016 notes: "Participation by civil society in the budgetary process is poor…and independent civil society organizations are rarely involved in law- and policy-making processes."

Corruption creates fear in society-individuals who might otherwise wish to expose acts of corruption are now afraid to be implicated. According to Transparency International's Oya Ozarslan, "Today you can't offer people neither a good nor a bad example because corruption trials have become impossible in Turkey. This in turn legitimates the notion that [the corrupt] get away with it anyway."

The AK Party pledged "[to wage a] most intensive struggle [against corruption]," and fully ensure "transparency and accountability prevail in every area of public life… [to prevent] the pollution of politics," but then Erdogan himself rejected any practical measures to tackle corruption, fearing damaging exposure.

Sadly, much of what Erdogan aspired for could have been realized had he continued the reforms he initiated and brought Turkey to the international status he desired without resorting to authoritarianism.

After 15 years in power, Erdogan provides a classic example of how power corrupts. It is time for the public and the opposition parties to demand that he leaves the political scene and allow the formation of a democratically-elected government to begin the process of stemming corruption.

Otherwise, Turkey will forfeit its huge potential of becoming a significant player on the international stage.