Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who is the main challenger to President Erdogan in Turkey, stated on Friday (12/5) that his party has concrete evidence of Russian interference in spreading fake information online ahead of the presidential election in Turkey on Sunday (14/5). Kilicdaroglu led slightly in the polls two days before the election. He told Reuters that Russian interference in Turkey’s internal affairs is unacceptable, but he added that if elected president, he would strive to maintain good relations between Ankara and Moscow. Turkey is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and heavily depends on energy imports, with Russia being its biggest supplier. This week, two sources told Reuters that Ankara has rescheduled the payment of a $600 million natural gas bill to Russia until 2024. This deal underlines the extent of the two countries’ relationship under the leadership of Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
When asked why he took the bold step of tweeting that Russia was responsible for spreading online fake news on Thursday (11/5), Kilicdaroglu said, “If we did not have concrete evidence, I would not tweet about it.” He did not detail what online content he was referring to. One of Turkey’s presidential candidates from the Guram party, Muharrem Ince, resigned on Thursday (11/5), citing fake character assassination online. He gave few details. Russia has been accused of interfering in foreign elections, including in the United States (US), which Moscow denies.
Turkey’s election on Sunday (12/5) will be the most important in its modern history, with significant implications for Ankara’s global position, strategic alliances, and economic direction. “We cannot accept any foreign country interfering in Turkey’s election process to support a particular political party. I want the whole world to realize this, which is why I made this call openly through my tweet,” Kilicdaroglu said in an interview. The Kremlin later denied any involvement. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that people who make such allegations against Kilicdaroglu are liars and that Russia highly values its relationship with Turkey.
Confidently speaking in his office in Ankara, Kilicdaroglu reiterated his belief that he would “replace the authoritarian government.” The 74-year-old retired civil servant emphasized that Turkey, which also has close business, economic, and tourism ties with Russia, would strive for a good balance in its relationship with Moscow. “We do not want to damage our friendly relationship, but we will not allow any interference in our internal affairs,” he said.
Kilicdaroglu also said he would encourage other peace initiatives between Russia and Ukraine, following Erdogan’s failed mediation efforts in 2022. However, he added, “We must clarify that we do not feel it is right for any country to occupy another.” Turkey has positioned itself as a diplomatic balance since Russia invaded Ukraine. Ankara opposes Western sanctions against Russia and has close relations with Moscow and Kyiv, its neighbor in the Black Sea. Turkey sent armed drones to assist Ukraine.
Kilicdaroglu said the fundamental problem in Turkey’s foreign policy during the AK (AKP) Erdogan Party’s reign was the removal of the Foreign Ministry from the policymaking process. Erdogan instead formed policies himself. According to Kilicdaroglu, Turkey will pursue a peace-oriented foreign policy that prioritizes its national interests and works in line with the modern world. [ah/ft]
