The Pew Research Center survey highlights significant shifts in Turkish public opinion regarding President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the national government. While Erdoğan secured his third term in May 2023, his popularity has since declined, with 55% of Turkish adults expressing an unfavorable view of him—a 32% drop from 2017. Supporters of Erdoğan tend to view the government, democracy, and international relations more favorably compared to those who disapprove of him.
Key survey findings include:
- Trust in Government: Roughly half of Turkish adults lack confidence in their government, with 51% expressing distrust and 61% doubting the government’s ability to handle future natural disasters effectively.
- Democratic Satisfaction: Although two-thirds of Turks are dissatisfied with how democracy functions in the country, democracy remains a widely supported concept. The majority support both representative and direct democracy, though fewer back strong leadership or military rule.
- Influence of Institutions: The military and police are viewed positively by most Turks, while the media and large corporations receive less favorable ratings.
- Societal Conflicts: Strong political tensions exist, with Turks perceiving divisions between ethnic groups and religious practices.
- Foreign Relations: A large majority of Turks view the U.S., Russia, and China unfavorably. However, opinions of NATO and the European Union have improved since 2019, with more Turks supporting EU membership.
The survey underscores how views of Erdoğan are deeply intertwined with broader opinions on governance, democracy, and international affairs in Turkey.
