Turkey will hold snap parliamentary and presidential elections on June 24, it was announced on Wednesday.
The revelation on state media confirms election rumors which had been swirling for days amid a series of meetings between the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Devlet Bahceli of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP).
This election will take place under Turkey’s recently amended constitution which will see an executive presidency run the country. If June’s contest is won by Erdogan, the Turkish ruler will have vastly strengthened powers.
Campaigning for August’s election will take place against the backdrop of significantly worsened relations with Greece. The two countries have exchanged diplomatic barbs for months amid Turkish activity in the Aegean and in Greece’s airspace.
Two Greek soldiers also remain in Turkish custody having crossed the border illegally on March 1.