A change in Turkish leadership might not spell the end of ties with Russia
CNN
23-05-08 15:24
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin inaugurated Turkey’s first nuclear plant last month in a virtual ceremony. Erdogan’s Turkey has repositioned itself from a staunchly secular, Western-oriented nation to a more conservative, religiously oriented nation with stronger ties with Russia. Even if Erdogan were to be ousted in the polls, a foreign policy u-turn is not a given as core foreign policy issues are likely to remain unchanged. While figures close to the opposition have indicated that it would reorient Turkey back to the West if they were to win the election, there are likely to be limits to Turkey’s pivot back to the West given how deeply intertwined the Turkish and Russian economies have become, especially regarding energy. Erdogan’s foreign policy has been driven by economic considerations and that is likely to continue into the next government. Russia is also one of Turkey's biggest trade partners and it is located in Turkey's vicinity, factors that are likely to make good relations with Russia a priority regardless of the outcome of the election.
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan faces his most serious political challenge since being elected in 2002 from his main opponent Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Polls have showed a neck-and-neck race between the two with skepticism remaining about Kilicdaroglu’s ability to pull off an upset over Erdogan. Erdogan's government has regulated the press and social media and tens of thousands of people are investigated every year for the crime of insulting the president. A law that passed last year imposes jail time on those distributing misinformation. Erdogan's campaign has rolled out economic appeasements including tax relief, cheap mortgage loans, energy subsidies and pledges not to raise road and bridge tolls to bolster his support. Defying Western allies, Erdogan has increased ties with Russia, has been accused of helping to destabilise the EU and is accused of blocking Sweden's bid of becoming a NATO member.
Liverpool, UK is to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 after Great Britain stepped in after Ukraine was forced to withdraw. The event in two months’ time will feature 37 countries and has resulted in hotel and ticket prices increasing. Prices have risen by around 360%, according to a BonusCodeBets analysis which has taken account of Booking.com and Airbnb listings in the city. Refugees from Ukraine that have been displaced by the conflict can buy tickets to the Eurovision Song Contest for approximately €20 in order to attend the show that celebrates their heritage, culture and music.
台灣企業已經在加強抗力，台灣美國商會（American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan）的一項調查顯示，88%的公司計劃在2023年維持或擴大在台灣的投資。如果中国的侵略确实扰乱了运营，国际企业合作伙伴可以接管生产和服务，以履行客户的核心义务。瑞典和芬蘭的經濟連續性計劃可以為台灣制定類似計劃提供模式。
