The presidential nomination of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has received media coverage across the world.
The New York Times daily headlned its article with "Erdogan, Survivor of Protests and Inquiries, to Seek Presidency in Turkey."
"In power now for more than a decade and already considered to be the most consequential political leader here since modern Turkey’s founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, capturing the presidency could allow Mr. Erdogan, 60, eventually to surpass even Ataturk’s legacy," wrote the daily.
The daily, the Wall Street Journal, called Erdogan's presidential bid "the worst-kept political secret," adding that he would most probably win the upcoming elections as he has "an enviable track record at the ballot box."
"He will run in the country's first direct presidential election next month in a move designed to expand his vast powers and allow him to govern for another decade," wrote WSJ.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) covered his candidacy for the 10 August presidential election, saying: “Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will run for Turkish president in the first direct election in August, his governing AK Party has confirmed.”
The corporation also stressed that Erdogan had been the ruling AK Party’s government leader since 2003.
UK-based international newspaper The Financial Times announced Erdogan’s candidacy as breaking news.
The Financial Times said: “Turkey’s prime minister will run in his country’s first direct presidential elections, a move his critics say will lead to greater authoritarianism, but which his supporters argue will enfranchise ordinary people”.
- 'Highest office'
Erdogan’s nomination received wide media coverage in Germany - home to three million Turkish immigrants.
“Erdogan cannot run for a new term for the Premiership, now he eyes for the highest office - the Presidency,” said Germany’s largest mass-circulation daily Bild on its webpage.
“Through the presidency, Erdogan can continue to define the country’s future for five years,” it commented.
The daily underlined that presidency in Turkey had largely been a ceremonial post, but Erdogan is likely to use exclusive presidential powers, such as heading cabinet meetings, once elected.
Bild underlined that while criticized by the opposition for his “authoritarian style”, Erdogan continued to enjoy strong backing among his supporters.
- Strong force
His AK Party remains the strongest political force in Turkey, following its landslide victory in local elections in March, it noted.
Germany’s influential weekly Der Spiegel portrayed Erdogan as the most likely winner of the coming presidential race.
According to a survey by the Genar Institute, Erdogan could win the election in the first round, Der Spiegel commented on its webpage.
Erdogan’s main rival, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, is considered to be less charismatic, it noted, adding that only 35.8 percent of the electorate is expected to support him.
The AK Party’s nomination was covered as breaking news by Germany's Channel N 24 and various other leading news outlets.
- 'Aspiration to govern'
The French mass media published Erdogan’s candidate as a main story.
Le Figaro said: “Erdogan aspires to govern Turkey for at least five years.”
France-based radio Europe 1, France 24 TV and the Euronews channel also broadcast the presidential candidate announcement as breaking news.
The Australian media announced Erdogan’s decision saying: “Erdogan's nomination was confirmed."
- 'Powerful candidate'
“Erdogan named presidential nominee,” was the headline on Iran's Press TV, while Azerbaijani media APA TV and TREND news agency released the news as a last-minute development.
China news agency Xinhua and Balkans media covered Turkey’s powerful presidential candidate announcement as breaking news.
Following the referendum in 2007, Turkish citizens will for the first time directly elect their president, who was formerly elected by Parliament.
According to the Turkish election system, a candidate needs more than 50 percent of the popular vote to be elected in the first round, which will take place on August 10th.
If none of the three candidates receives the required percentage, a second round on August 24 will take place between the two candidates who received the most votes.
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