With the Turkish presidential election still a year away, speculation is mounting over whether Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will seek the office and whether he could succeed. President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, following a conversation with a prominent columnist, is widely believed to oppose an Erdoğan presidency, citing concerns that the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) would then control the presidency, the prime ministry, and parliament simultaneously.
Former President Süleyman Demirel has also voiced reservations, though neither he nor Sezer holds any constitutional power over the outcome. Under Türkiye's constitution, parliament selects the president. Opponents of an Erdoğan presidency are said to be considering a public campaign against the idea, potentially including a high-profile address by Sezer intended to raise doubts, even if it carries no legal force.
Within the AKP, members say the decision rests with Erdoğan himself and that the party will back whatever he chooses. Government officials stress that criticism from Sezer or Demirel is not legally binding, and that internal AKP cohesion matters far more than outside pressure. Officials also suggest the early timing of the debate works in their favor, giving the public time to grow comfortable with the prospect of Erdoğan as president.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in May 2006, in its own words.