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Turkish presidential poll: Erdogan leads, FM Fidan surprises in 4th place

FM Hakan Fidan (L) and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) (TGRT Photo)
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FM Hakan Fidan (L) and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) (TGRT Photo)
December 23, 2024 12:32 PM GMT+03:00

Asal Research has released the results of its latest political survey, asking respondents whom they would prefer to see as president if elections were held this Sunday. While President Erdogan remains at the top, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan took the fourth spot.

Why it matters

Fidan’s rise to fourth place in the poll signals growing public recognition of his political influence. His strong record in foreign policy, leadership of Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT), and key role in efforts to resolve the Syrian Civil War have made him a prominent figure in Turkish politics.

https://twitter.com/AsalArastirma/status/1871072318782308636

Details

The survey, conducted in December, involved 1,860 participants. Respondents were asked, "If there were a presidential election this Sunday, whom would you like to see as president?"

Turkish presidential poll: Erdogan on Top, FM Fidan surprises in 4th place
Turkish presidential poll: Erdogan on Top, FM Fidan surprises in 4th place
  • President Erdogan leads with 26.5% support.
  • Mansur Yavas, mayor of Ankara, follows with 17%.
  • Ekrem Imamoglu, mayor of Istanbul, holds third place with 13.2%.
  • Hakan Fidan secured 6.3% support, placing him fourth.
  • Other notable figures in the poll include Ozgur Ozel (leader of the main opposition CHP), Selcuk Bayraktar, Kemal Kilicdaroglu and Fatih Erbakan.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan meets leader of new Syrian administration, Ahmed al Sharaa, in Damascus, Syria, December 22, 2024. (AA Photo)Türkiye will never allow terrorist groups to take advantage of the situation in Syria, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan tells U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on December 10, 2024. (AA Photo)Turkish's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (L) speaks with Germany's Foreign minister Annalena Baerbock (C) and Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel during a NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Oganization) Foreign Ministers' meeting at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, on December 3, 2024. (Photo by JOHN THYS / AFP)Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. (AA Photo)
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan meets leader of new Syrian administration, Ahmed al Sharaa, in Damascus, Syria, December 22, 2024. (AA Photo)Türkiye will never allow terrorist groups to take advantage of the situation in Syria, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan tells U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on December 10, 2024. (AA Photo)Turkish's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (L) speaks with Germany's Foreign minister Annalena Baerbock (C) and Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel during a NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Oganization) Foreign Ministers' meeting at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, on December 3, 2024. (Photo by JOHN THYS / AFP)Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. (AA Photo)

Zoom in on Fidan's rising popularity

Fidan’s position in fourth place can be attributed to his successful career in both diplomacy and intelligence. As head of Turkish intelligence, he played a key role in shaping Türkiye's security policy and enhancing its influence on the global stage.

His involvement in peace initiatives that helped end the Syrian Civil War has further bolstered his reputation. This combination of intelligence and diplomatic expertise has gained him considerable respect and growing support among the electorate.

Zoom Out:

Fidan’s rising popularity reflects a broader shift in Turkish public opinion, with increasing interest in candidates who bring strong diplomatic and security credentials to the table. As Türkiye approaches its next presidential election, Fidan’s experience could make him a serious contender, potentially challenging traditional political figures and influencing the overall direction of future campaigns.

December 23, 2024 12:32 PM GMT+03:00
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