After a huge setback in local elections, which way forward now for Turkey’s Erdogan?

By ANDREW WILKS
Associated Press

ISTANBUL (AP) — Huge gains made by the opposition in Turkey’s local elections have led to questions about the path the country’s long-serving leader will take before the next round of voting in four years’ time. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling party was outperformed in Sunday’s polls as the opposition added to the number of municipalities it gained in 2019. The main opposition party kept hold of Istanbul and the capital of Ankara by wide margins, but also added wins in conservative provinces. Some analysts said on Monday they expect the government to pursue less polarizing policies and try to soothe ties with NATO allies — and also adopt less antagonistic programs at home.