Erdogan Launches Election Campaign with Pledge to Slash Türkiye Inflation

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan makes a speech during a meeting of his ruling AK Party to announce the party's election manifesto ahead of the May 14 elections, in Ankara, Türkiye April 11, 2023. (Presidential Press Office/Handout via Reuters)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan launched his re-election campaign on Tuesday with a party pledge to slash inflation to single digits and boost growth, as he seeks to extend his two decades in power in a May 14 vote.

Erdogan is facing the biggest political challenge since his AK Party (AKP) came to power in 2002, with polls showing support sagging in recent years after unorthodox economic policies hobbled the lira currency and sent inflation surging.