Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been a central figure in Turkish politics for more than two decades — serving as Prime Minister (2003–2014) and President (2014– ). His leadership emphasizes economic development, large infrastructure projects, and an assertive foreign policy, alongside a stronger executive presidency. Supporters credit stability and growth in parts of his tenure; critics point to democratic backsliding and restrictions on media and civil society.