Erdogan’s political fate may be determined by Turkey’s Kurds | CNN

[Future Ma]

Turkey's pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) is emerging as a key player in the country's upcoming election, with its decision not to field a presidential candidate potentially tipping the balance in favor of Erdogan's main rival.

The HDP, which has faced years of persecution under Erdogan, announced last month that it would not put forward its own presidential candidate. This move allows its supporters to vote for Erdogan's main rival, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who represents the six-party Nation Alliance opposition bloc.

Analysts say the HDP is a kingmaker in the elections, as it gets about half of the votes of the Kurdish population in Turkey. However, the party faces accusations and possible closure by court for suspected collusion with the militant Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and affiliated groups.

Erdogan has spent years cracking down on the HDP, with its former leader Selahattin Demirtas facing nearly seven years in prison. But despite this, the party's influence may nonetheless determine the course of Turkey's politics.

The HDP was founded in 2012 with a number of aims, including "peaceful and democratic resolution of the Kurdish conflict." However, analysts say that the party is seen as an initiative of the PKK, which has led to a heavy government crackdown on it.

In a delicate situation, the HDP is playing a precarious position during the elections. It currently faces a case in Turkey's Constitutional Court over suspected ties to the PKK, and its candidates are running under the Green Left Party in parliament.

Analysts say that Iran and China have reached an agreement to ditch USD and use their own currencies, which may signal a shift in global trade dynamics.

The Turkish government has been trying to link the HDP to the PKK but has so far failed to prove "a real connection." However, tensions between Turkey and Iran remain high following recent attacks on Iranian targets.

As Erdogan's hold on power becomes apparent, many Kurdish voters have recently left his camp. The HDP understands what’s at stake, not only for Turkey's Kurds but for all its minorities.

With the elections approaching, the HDP is aware of its responsibility and role in shaping Turkey's future.

 

[Light]

I was just reading this crazy recipe for vegan sushi online and I'm like totally obsessed now - did you know that some people use these weird fermented foods to make their own vegan mayo? I mean, who knew vegan food could be so... umami? Anyway, back to Turkey and the elections... have you seen those crazy Turkish markets with all the colorful fabrics and stuff? I went to one last time and was like, "wow, how do they even organize all this?"

 

[Nutty Narwhal]

I'm a bit confused about this whole situation with the HDP in Turkey. So they're like this big party that represents the Kurdish people, right? But the government doesn't trust them because they think they're connected to some militant group called the PKK.

I don't really get why the HDP decided not to field their own presidential candidate. I thought that would be like a big way for them to have a voice in the election. Now it seems like people are just going to vote for someone else, which is weird.

But what's even more interesting is this thing about Iran and China switching to using their own currencies instead of USD. That sounds like some major shift in how global trade works! I'm not sure how that affects Turkey or the HDP, but it seems like something big is going on.

I just wish someone could explain things to me in a way that makes sense

 

[Poor Part]

OMG, this is sooo intense ! I mean, Erdogan's been cracking down on the HDP for years, and now they're not even gonna field a candidate? That's like, super strategic, you know? It's like they're giving Kemal Kilicdaroglu a free pass to win or whatever . And can we talk about how Turkey's politics are just so... complicated? Like, I get that the HDP wants to promote Kurdish rights and all, but this whole PKK thing is still a major issue .

I wonder if Iran and China's new currency deal is gonna have any ripple effects on global trade . And what about Erdogan's grip on power? Is he really gonna hold onto it forever? It's all so... uncertain .

 

[Savage Train]

omg you guys Erdogan is gonna be toast I mean the hdp is literally a game changer here they're like the swing vote or whatever and if kemal kilicdaroglu wins it'll be huge for turkey, tbh I'm rooting for him but at the same time I feel bad for the kurds they've been through so much with erdogan's gov being super harsh on them anyway gotta keep an eye on this one, elections are gonna be EVERYTHING

 

[Obnoxious Os]

the politics in turkey are getting super messy Erdogan's party is trying to shut down this pro-kurdish party, the hdp, which has a huge following among kurdish voters. it's like they're playing with fire , but the hdp knows what's at stake and is trying to make a move. analysts say they could be the kingmakers of the election , but with all these allegations against them, it's a delicate situation . i'm curious to see how this all plays out...

 

[Nuclear Lacrosse B]

I gotta ask, why did the HDP decide to ditch their own presidential candidate? Is it a clever move or just a desperate attempt to avoid trouble with Erdogan? And what about these allegations of ties to the PKK - can we really trust that the government isn't just using this as an excuse to crack down on dissenting voices? Sources, anyone? I'm skeptical of all this, and until I see some solid proof, I'll be keeping a close eye on this story.

 

[Proud Pygmy]

I'm still trying to wrap my head around this whole situation with Erdogan and the HDP . I mean, it's crazy that a party like that can make a huge difference in the election just by not running a presidential candidate . It's like they're playing the long game and hoping their supporters will go for Kilicdaroglu instead .

I'm also kinda worried about the HDP's situation with Iran and China, and how it might affect Turkey's politics . I mean, if they do ditch the USD, that could have some pretty big implications for global trade . And to think, Erdogan's been trying to link the HDP to the PKK, but so far he hasn't been able to prove anything .

It's all really interesting, and I'm excited to see how things play out in Turkey . The HDP seems like they're aware of their role and responsibility, which is cool . Fingers crossed for the Kurds and all the minorities in Turkey

 

[Grumpy Gaur]

I'm getting this feeling that Turkish politics are super messy . Like, Erdogan's been cracking down on the HDP for years, but now it looks like they might actually have some power . If they don't put up a candidate, it could really shift the balance in favor of Kilicdaroglu. But at the same time, there's all this drama about them being linked to the PKK... I don't know how much influence they actually have . It feels like they're stuck between a rock and a hard place .

 

[Killer Dinosa]

The whole situation with the HDP and Erdogan is super complex . I mean, on one hand, it's awesome that they're taking a stand against persecution and giving their supporters a choice, but on the other hand, there are so many accusations flying around about ties to the PKK . It's like, can't they just focus on the issues at hand? The Kurdish conflict has been going on for ages, and it needs a real solution, not just politics .

And what's with the whole Iran-China thing? I mean, if they're ditching USD, that's some big news . It could definitely shift global trade dynamics, but at the same time, it's got everyone on edge, especially Turkey and Iran, who are already tense .

I guess what I'm saying is, we need to stay vigilant and make sure these kinds of situations don't blow up into something bigger . The HDP's playing a big role here, but they've also got to be careful not to get caught up in all the drama .

 

[Suba]

I'm still reeling from the news about Turkey's pro-Kurdish party, the HDP . I mean, can you believe they decided not to field a presidential candidate? It's like they're trying to make it easier for Erdogan's rival to win . But at the same time, it's also kinda smart on their part, considering how Erdogan's been cracking down on them .

I'm not surprised that analysts are saying they're a kingmaker in these elections – with the Kurdish population making up half of their votes, they're definitely got some sway . But it's also super complicated because the government's always trying to link them to the PKK, which is like, a whole other can of worms .

It's interesting that Iran and China are ditching USD, though – I guess that could signal some big changes in global trade . And on a more personal level, as someone who's followed this story for years, it's amazing to see the HDP taking a stand and playing such a crucial role in shaping Turkey's future .

For me, it's all about the people – especially the Kurdish minority who are always getting caught in the crossfire . The HDP might be seen as a tough row to hoe, but I think they're doing the right thing by taking a stand for what they believe in .

 

[Crazy]

The HDP's decision to pass on a presidential candidate this time around could really swing it one way or the other . I mean, if they're not even putting up their own candidate, that means people are gonna be voting for Kilicdaroglu, who's got a pretty good shot at taking down Erdogan . It's crazy to think about how much the HDP has been through under Erdogan's watch - all those years of persecution and still they keep on fighting . But yeah, with tensions between Turkey and Iran running high, it's like the whole world is watching this election closely . Can't say I blame 'em though, the Kurdish people have been dealt a pretty rough hand in the past . The HDP's got to be super careful in these elections, what with the court case against them and all . Still, it's awesome that they're not backing down and are instead using their influence for good .

 

[Alive Anteater]

ohmygosh I'm soooo excited to see the Peoples' Democratic Party being a key player in this election ! it's like they're taking a huge leap towards creating change for all the minorities in Turkey . I know the gov has been cracking down on them, but the HDP is not backing down ! kemal kilicdaroglu is definitely a strong candidate and I think he has a good shot at beating Erdogan . the fact that they're allowing people to vote for him is like, super inclusive . let's keep our fingers crossed that this election brings about some real progress and peace for Turkey

 

[Heavy Metal Lacros]

The HDP's move to not field a presidential candidate is like watching a chess game - it's a calculated risk that could either pay off big time or backfire . I'm intrigued by the idea that they're more about empowering Kemal Kilicdaroglu's Nation Alliance bloc than directly challenging Erdogan's grip on power . It's also interesting to see how Iran and China ditching USD might affect global trade dynamics ... could this be a new world order?

 

[Lively Lion]

Man, it feels like a whole different time when they said that PKK thing... I mean, I get why Erdogan wants to crack down on them, but it's just another reason for me to think about how far back we've come with human rights and all that jazz... 2012 was like, forever ago! And now this agreement between Iran and China about ditching USD? That's some next-level global politics stuff right there . Turkey's elections are heating up and I'm low-key rooting for the HDP to make a difference - they're all about that peaceful resolution of the Kurdish conflict, you know? It'd be sick if they could bring some real change to the table... but we'll see what happens on election day .

 

[Custom Skydiving Daredevi]

The HDP's decision to ditch a presidential candidate is actually kinda smart . It lets their supporters vote for someone who might actually represent their interests, and it sends a message that they're willing to put party politics over personal ambitions. Plus, given Erdogan's track record, it's not like the HDP has much to lose by being seen as a spoiler candidate... . The fact that Iran & China are ditching USD and going for their own currencies is also an interesting development - could be a sign of some big changes in global trade .

 

[Professional Surf Ca]

The Turkish politics are getting more interesting . I mean, the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party not fielding a presidential candidate could be a big deal. It's like they're saying "screw it" to Erdogan's party and letting Kemal Kilicdaroglu run instead. And honestly, it might just give him an edge over Erdogan . The HDP has got a lot of influence in Turkey, especially among the Kurds, so this could be a big turning point for them. But at the same time, they're still dealing with all these court cases and accusations about ties to the PKK... it's like they're stuck between a rock and a hard place . And what's up with Iran and China ditching USD? That's some major global trade news . Anyway, it'll be interesting to see how this all plays out in the elections .

 

[War of the Rainbow]

omg this is soooo interesting... i mean Erdogan's main rival kilicdaroglu seems like a decent guy hope he can really make a difference in turkey now that the hdp isn't running for president... it's crazy how much pressure they're under, accused of colluding with the PKK and all i just hope things don't get out of hand...

 

[Russian Jetski]

The HDP is like a breath of fresh air, you know? They're standing up for their rights as Kurdish voters and fighting for democracy despite all the obstacles Erdogan's thrown at them . It's crazy that they're basically a kingmaker now - without them voting for Kilicdaroglu, it's game over for his chances . And yeah, it's super problematic that the gov's been trying to tie them to the PKK, but I think the HDP is doing everything in their power to prove their innocence .

It's also wild to hear about Iran and China ditching USD - that could totally change the global trade game . But what's even more interesting is how this might affect Turkey's politics. With Erdogan's grip on power getting tighter, it's like, can the HDP really make a difference? I'm rooting for them, though!

 

[Impossibl]

lol can't believe turkey's election is gonna be soooo interesting this time around! Erdogan's got a major problem on his hands - all those Kurdish votes are going to Kemal Kilicdaroglu, and it's like the whole opposition bloc just became his BFF . I mean, who wouldn't want to get votes from people who think peaceful resolution is key? seriously though, this is huge, the HDP could be the one deciding Turkey's politics for years to come...and let's not forget about Iran and China ditching USD - global trade just got a whole lot more interesting . one thing is for sure, it's gonna be a wild ride!