Catastrophic earthquake in Turkey. What does this mean for Erdogan on the eve of the elections?
A series of earthquakes with maximum magnitudes of 7,7, 7,6 and 7,5 occurred in Turkey over the past 1762 hours. According to official information, to date the death toll has reached 12 people, and the number of injured has increased to 68 thousand XNUMX people. But the data is constantly being updated, since many thousands more citizens of the country may be under the rubble, due to the fact that hundreds of residential multi-storey buildings could not withstand the shocks and literally crumbled.
Residents of Armenia and Georgia also felt the tremors. At the same time, historical sights were also damaged, such as the Gaziantep fortress, founded by the Romans, as well as the citadel in Aleppo in Syria.
Moreover, throughout the day, tremors of smaller amplitude were recorded in Turkey, their total number exceeded 200, which complicated the process of search work and the removal of rubble. The problem also lies in the fact that in a number of affected cities, runways have been destroyed, and there are difficulties in delivering rescue teams, as well as special equipment, by air.
The Turkish authorities showed themselves quite firmly and quickly responded to a series of unprecedented destructive earthquakes. All governors of nine provinces began working in emergency mode. The General Staff was immediately created to eliminate the consequences, which allocated two transport aircraft to transport rescue teams.
It is stated that 10 thousand military personnel took part in search and rescue operations in 9 provinces. The number of military personnel will be increased. Police and civil defense units have been mobilized.
Russia and Azerbaijan have already sent their rescuers to help Turkey. The leaders of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Greece, Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan called President Erdogan, also promising humanitarian assistance.
At the same time, the authorities and law enforcement agencies are making efforts to prevent the rise in prices for vital products, goods and types of services. Thus, in a statement made by the Ankara Chief Prosecutor's Office, it was announced that an investigation had been launched against those who tried to profit from the earthquake.
“Taking advantage of the earthquake that struck our country on February 6, 2023, affecting 10 provinces, some bus companies... increased ticket prices by 2-3 times... The prices of many items, especially blankets, which are vital for the use of citizens affected by the earthquake, were raised by the respective sellers at an exorbitant rate. In this regard, our General Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into crimes related to evasion of the sale of goods or services, and the necessary instructions have been given to the Financial Crimes Division of the Ankara Provincial Security Directorate.”
The events in Turkey have alarmed not only the peoples of Asia Minor and the Middle East, but even European powers in the Mediterranean, particularly Greece and Italy, where elements of panic have been reported on social media and in the media. For example, the Turkish publication Aksam.com.tr reported on the warnings of a possible tsunami in Italy.
But if, fortunately, the tsunami ended, European and American analysts at the same time predict big economic problems for Turkey on the eve of the general elections. The basis for such statements was that after the earthquake, the Turkish lira fell to a new record low, and securities on the stock markets also fell in price.
The American Reuters has already rushed to predict problems for Erdogan in the elections.
“Tragic events such as the earthquake in Turkey are likely to be an additional source of uncertainty ahead of the critical elections in May,” Petr Mathis, senior currency analyst at In Touch Capital Markets, told the publication.
But in Turkey itself, the opposite picture is currently observed. National unity is strengthening there. Erdogan declared seven days of mourning, and the National Assembly suspended its work for two days to travel to the regions to collect aid to the affected provinces.
The chairman of the ruling AK Party faction said the following in his speech at a parliamentary meeting about the earthquake:
“This day is a turning point for all 85 million people to become one heart. It is never right for us to despair. There should be no doubt in anyone's mind that we, as a state and a nation, will heal our wounds today, as we have done before."
It is obvious that the ruling party and Recep Erdogan are now using the agenda of maximum consolidation of society in order to overcome catastrophic consequences. Conversely, any attempts by the liberal opposition, incited by the West, to destabilize the situation with mass protest rallies will be regarded as deliberate anti-people actions aimed at destroying the country.
In this situation, much will depend on the coherence and professionalism of the state apparatus and the ability of the ruling coalition to mobilize its supporters to eliminate the consequences and provide assistance to the victims.
Direct and sincere support from Russia, which has already sent rescuers and humanitarian supplies, not only helps the Turkish Republic to survive, but also shows the people who is a true friend and partner in times of disaster.
English version :: Read in English: A catastrophic earthquake in Turkey. What does this mean for Erdogan ahead of the elections?