Financial TimesFinancial Times

Erdoğan courts German Turks as he fights to hold on to power

By Laura Pitel

30 Apr 2023 · 4 min read

Editor's Note

Turks form the largest ethnic minority in Germany and they traditionally vote for the incumbent. But Turkish politicians can't officially campaign in Europe's biggest economy, says the FT.

Tens of thousands of people across Europe have cast their ballots in early voting in Turkish elections over the weekend, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan counting on diaspora support as he battles to cling to power.

Officials said early indications suggested a record turnout among Turkey’s 3.4mn overseas voters, who have historically backed Erdoğan, after polling stations opened just over two weeks ahead of the main election on May 14.

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