Voting has concluded for local elections in Turkey with results showing that the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) has won the mayoral elections in both Ankara and Izmir. The CHP and President Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) have both claimed victory over Istanbul’s mayoral elections, even as votes are being recounted by the election board. The success of the CHP in these local elections reveals a shrinking popularity of the AKP and public disapproval of how President Erdogan and his party have dealt with major issues like high inflation and rising unemployment. Having previously blamed outside powers for currency fluctuations, President Erdogan has now taken a more conciliatory tone and is promising economic reforms.
