antiErdoan

antiErdoan, often written as anti-Erdoğan, is a label used in Turkish political discourse to describe opposition to Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has led Turkey as prime minister (2003–2014) and president (since 2014). The term does not denote a single organized movement; rather, it refers to a wide spectrum of individuals, parties, journalists, and civil-society actors who criticize Erdoğan’s policies, leadership style, or political direction.

Historically, anti-Erdoğan sentiment has grown alongside debates about democratic norms, centralized executive power, economic policy, media freedom, and judicial independence. Critics point to constitutional changes after 2017 that expanded presidential authority, ongoing concerns about civil liberties, and various foreign policy decisions. Political actors commonly associated with anti-Erdoğan positions include major opposition parties in Turkey, such as CHP and the Good Party, as well as coalitions and activist networks. The Turkish diaspora and international observers have also used the term to describe critical perspectives.

In public discourse, anti-Erdoğan sentiment is transmitted through social media, opinion journalism, protest movements, and electoral campaigning. The label can function as a descriptive shorthand for policy critique, but it is also used rhetorically, sometimes to delegitimate critics. Proponents view anti-Erdoğan positions as legitimate opposition in a polarized political landscape, while supporters may characterize the term as a broad or pejorative label applied to dissent.