The devastating earthquake on February 6 that killed around 45,000 people has damaged Erdoğan’s reputation. His government is accused of mismanaging the disaster and, above all, of allowing corruption in the construction sector. Thousands of homes were built by crooked developers who paid little attention to safety standards.
Yet the president still enjoys a lot of support in the country, in spite of the corruption, high inflation and his autocratic leadership style. Erdoğan’s policies are a combination of economic liberalism, Islamism and nationalism and he appeals to many Turks’ patriotism and religious sentiments. Long claiming to be a Muslim democrat, he has gradually Islamized Turkey, in spite of its secular constitution. In order to remain unchallenged in his rule, Erdoğan has largely suppressed press freedom. According to Reporters Without Borders, Turkey is one of the most repressive countries in the world for journalists.
