Turkey’s Ambassador Criticizes the Economist's Coverage of Upcoming Elections
Date
5/14/2023 8:32:23 AM
(MENAFN) Turkey’s ambassador to the UK, Osman Koray Ertas, has criticized The Economist for its recent coverage of the country's upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections. In a letter to the British magazine, Ertas described the publication's attempt to dictate how Turkish voters should vote as a "misguided attempt" that was not surprising.
The Economist's cover last week featured images of banners with slogans such as "Erdogan must go" and "Protect democracy," along with the words: "The Most Important Election of 2023: Turkey and the Future of Democracy." In response, Ertas emphasized that Turkey is a democratic country with a long-standing tradition of holding free and fair elections, where governments are elected into office by popular vote.
Ertas also criticized The Economist's coverage for ignoring the many contributions Turkey has made to global and regional security and welfare over the years. He stated that his country will continue to be a provider of peace in a volatile region, as it deems this a responsibility to its history and people.
Furthermore, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan strongly criticized The Economist last week, accusing the magazine of maliciously intending to interfere in Turkish politics and manipulate the will of the nation. Erdogan's comments reflect the concerns of many Turkish officials and citizens who feel that foreign media outlets are attempting to influence the outcome of the upcoming elections.
Despite these criticisms, many in the international community continue to express concerns about the state of democracy in Turkey, particularly in light of recent political and social developments in the country. The outcome of the upcoming elections is expected to have significant implications for the future of Turkey’s democracy and its relationship with the international community.
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