Erdogan, who is pushing to imbue the largely ceremonial presidency with sweeping executive powers, told reporters late on Thursday that “there are already examples in the world.” “You can see it when you look at Hitler’s Germany,” he said. Erdogan did not elaborate, but his comparison with Hitler drew immediate criticism because of what many view as his increasing authoritarianism. His comment also raised the issue of how the leader of one of the world’s most influential countries, a US ally and member of NATO, would mention Hitler in the context of his own tenure. On Friday, the office of the presidency said that “Erdogan’s ‘Hitler’s Germany’ metaphor has been distorted by media outlets and has been used in the opposite sense.”
It said Erdogan had used the example to demonstrate that an executive presidency does not depend on a federal system of government. “If the system is abused, it may lead to bad management resulting in disasters as in Hitler’s Germany,” the statement said. “The important thing is to pursue fair management that serves the nation,” the statement added. Erdogan became Turkey’s first popularly elected president in August 2014, having dominated Turkish politics for more than a decade as prime minister. Since assuming the new post, he has aggressively campaigned to rewrite the Turkish constitution and establish an executive system of government.
His consolidation of power has had a potent effect on Turkey. Critics say Erdogan’s comments denigrating opponents as terrorists or traitors has helped polarize the country. A government crackdown on dissent — including a growing campaign of intimidation against the opposition news media, with a mob of his supporters last year attacking newspaper offices before a November election — has raised concerns domestically and abroad about Turkey’s commitment to democracy. To change the constitution, Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party, which regained its parliamentary majority in November, needs support from opposition parties.
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