In the Turkish presidential election, which is one week until the vote on the 14th of this month, President Erdogan, who is aiming for re-election, is facing headwinds due to soaring prices and other factors.
Turkey is also buying a mediator in the situation in Ukraine, and the outcome of the election will affect the international situation, so its future is attracting attention.
There are four candidates running in Turkey's presidential election, effectively a head-to-head between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the leader of the largest opposition party, Mr. Kırčídağlu, who ran as the unified candidate of the six opposition parties.
President Erdogan has appealed for the achievements of his administration over the past 4 years, including his time as prime minister, including an agreement on the export of agricultural products from Ukraine, where Russia continues to invade militarily, and boasting the achievements of Turkey's mediation diplomacy.
In response, Mr. Kılčidaluğlu pointed out that "currency depreciation and price surges occurred" under the Erdogan administration, and criticized the massive earthquake that struck the southern part of the country in February for causing many casualties by allowing the construction of buildings that did not meet earthquake resistance standards.
On the diplomatic front, under President Erdogan, we have announced improvements in relations with Western countries, which have been strained by the government.
The latest polls by research firms show that Mr Kılııçdarğlu has a slight lead, but in some quarters President Recep Erdogan is catching up, and a close race is expected.
Voting for the parliamentary election will be held at the same time on the 2th of this month, and for the presidential election, if there is no candidate who wins a majority, a runoff election between the top two candidates will be held on the 14th of this month.
Some people are harsh on President Erdogan
With one week to go until voting in Turkey's presidential election, President Erdogan, who is seeking re-election, has not only voiced support from the people but also strongly called for a change of government.
When I spoke to him in Istanbul, a 1-year-old man who said he works in a factory said, "I'm happy with my life now, I don't think we need to change the Erdogan government," and said he would vote for Erdogan.
On the other hand, a 36-year-old driver said, "I think the government is to blame for the poor economic situation and the lack of stability in life, so I will vote for Mr. Kılčdalu."
I also heard in Kahramanmarash in the south, near the epicenter.
The 44-year-old woman said she would support Erdogan's succession, saying she "feels that Mr. Erdogan has made our lives easier for us for many years."
On the other hand, a 50-year-old woman who said she had temporarily returned from the evacuation site to vote said, "My house was destroyed not because of the earthquake, but because of the negligence of the builders and others, and I have no intention of supporting the government that created this situation."