Erdogan heeft te lang te veel macht gehad | de Volkskrant

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Erdogan's Abuse of Power

The article discusses Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's actions following the Gezi Park protests, portraying them as retaliatory measures against businesses with secular backgrounds. Erdoğan's attacks extend to banks and a supposed 'interest rate lobby,' with accusations involving conspiracy theories reminiscent of antisemitic propaganda.

Symptoms of Prolonged Power

The author cites a British neuropsychologist, Ian Robertson, who compares the effects of long-term power to cocaine, leading to egocentrism and diminished self-criticism. These symptoms, along with Erdoğan's increasingly erratic behavior and questionable decision-making are highlighted. The article also mentions David Owen's 'hubris syndrome' as another explanation for Erdoğan's actions.

Implications for Turkey and the EU

The article concludes by discussing the implications of Erdoğan's behavior for Turkey's potential EU membership. It suggests that maintaining the accession talks is crucial for supporting pro-Western and freedom-loving Turks, despite Erdoğan's actions.

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