Ahmet Davutoğlu, Turkish political scientist, academic, and politician, 37th Prime Minister of Turkey

Ahmet Davutoğlu, a prominent figure in recent Turkish political history, is an academic, politician, and former diplomat whose career trajectory saw him rise to the highest echelons of power, serving as the 26th Prime Minister of Turkey. Born on February 26, 1959, Davutoğlu's journey from academia to the premiership is a testament to his intellectual prowess and strategic political acumen, even as his tenure was marked by significant domestic and international challenges.

The Academic and Diplomatic Roots of a Leader

Before his deep dive into the demanding world of politics, Ahmet Davutoğlu forged a distinguished path in academia. His expertise, particularly in international relations, eventually led him into diplomatic service and advisory roles. From 2003 to 2009, he served as the chief advisor to then-Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, a period that laid the groundwork for his subsequent rise. This pivotal role allowed him to shape foreign policy behind the scenes, building a strong working relationship with Erdoğan.

His influence grew further when he was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, a position he held from 2009 to 2014. During these crucial years, Davutoğlu became the public face of Turkish diplomacy, navigating complex regional issues and articulating Turkey's foreign policy vision on the global stage. He also officially entered the legislative arena, being elected as an AKP (Justice and Development Party) Member of Parliament for Konya in the 2011 general election, solidifying his political standing within the ruling party.

The Premiership: Succeeding Erdoğan and Navigating Tumultuous Times

The political landscape of Turkey shifted dramatically in 2014 when Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, having served three terms as Prime Minister, was elected as the 12th President of Turkey. Following Erdoğan's transition, the AKP's Central Executive Committee announced Ahmet Davutoğlu as the candidate for the party leadership. He was unanimously elected during the party's first extraordinary congress, subsequently stepping into the role of Prime Minister and forming the 62nd Government of the Turkish Republic.

A Challenging Beginning: June 2015 Elections

Davutoğlu’s early premiership was characterized by speculation regarding his autonomy, with many observers noting that his cabinet was populated by Erdoğan's close allies, suggesting a continuation of Erdoğan's political agenda from the presidency. A significant test came with the June 2015 general election, where the AKP, for the first time since 2002, lost its parliamentary majority, though it remained the largest party. Davutoğlu's government consequently resigned but maintained its responsibilities until a new administration could be formed. After a series of unsuccessful coalition talks with opposition parties, Davutoğlu was tasked with forming Turkey's first-ever interim election government, which oversaw snap elections scheduled for November 2015.

A Resurgence and a Resignation

The November 2015 snap election proved to be a resounding success for the AKP, which regained its parliamentary majority through a landslide victory. Davutoğlu subsequently formed his third government, seemingly securing his position. However, relations between Davutoğlu and President Erdoğan began to deteriorate, fueled by disagreements over parliamentary candidate lists, government policy directions, and the proposed implementation of an executive presidential system. Just seven months after the November 2015 general election victory, Ahmet Davutoğlu announced his resignation as AKP leader and Prime Minister. He stated that an extraordinary party congress would be held on May 22, 2016, and that he would not seek re-election for the party leadership. He was succeeded as leader by Binali Yıldırım, tendering his resignation as Prime Minister shortly thereafter.

Key Policies, Conflicts, and Criticisms During Davutoğlu's Tenure

Davutoğlu’s time as Prime Minister coincided with some of the most challenging periods in modern Turkish politics, marked by both domestic unrest and regional instability.

• Escalation of Conflict with the PKK: His administration oversaw a significant escalation of the conflict between the government and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) after a two-year ceasefire collapsed in mid-2015. This period was tragically described by some as one of the 'bloodiest' in Turkey's history, following a suicide bombing in Suruç that killed 32 people, after which his government authorized airstrikes against both PKK and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) positions.
• Anti-ISIL Efforts and Criticisms: While authorizing strikes against ISIL, his government faced sustained criticism from allies like the United States over perceived insufficient action against the group. Conversely, the domestic political opposition accused Davutoğlu of deliberately escalating conflicts to secure votes and regain a parliamentary majority in the November 2015 snap election.
• Domestic Political Landscape: His government also grappled with the ongoing political conflict with the Gülen Movement, an influential religious and social movement. Critics also raised concerns about growing government authoritarianism and a new national security bill introduced in early 2015, which some commentators argued was turning Turkey into a police state.
• Regional Crises: The spillover effects of the devastating Syrian Civil War across Turkey's border, coupled with the immense European migrant crisis that emerged as a result, presented monumental humanitarian and geopolitical challenges for Davutoğlu's administration.
• Foreign Policy Stance: While his foreign policy outlook was often characterized as Neo-Ottoman or Pan-Islamist, Davutoğlu consistently emphasized Turkey's accession bid to the European Union as a strategic target for his government, showcasing a complex blend of traditional and modern diplomatic aspirations.

A New Political Chapter: The Future Party

After his resignation from the premiership and AKP leadership, Ahmet Davutoğlu remained a prominent, albeit sometimes critical, voice in Turkish public life. For a significant period, speculation mounted that he was preparing to launch his own political party. In September 2019, Davutoğlu officially resigned from the AKP, accusing his former party of having lost its ability to provide effective solutions for Turkey's challenges. On December 12, 2019, he officially launched the Future Party (GP) and assumed its leadership, marking a new chapter in his long and eventful political career.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ahmet Davutoğlu

Who is Ahmet Davutoğlu?

Ahmet Davutoğlu is a Turkish academic, diplomat, and politician who served as the 26th Prime Minister of Turkey and leader of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) from 2014 to 2016. He is currently the leader of the Future Party (GP).

When was Ahmet Davutoğlu born?

Ahmet Davutoğlu was born on February 26, 1959.

What political party did Ahmet Davutoğlu lead?

He led the Justice and Development Party (AKP) from 2014 to 2016. He later founded and became the leader of the Future Party (GP) in 2019.

What significant roles did he hold before becoming Prime Minister?

Before becoming Prime Minister, Davutoğlu served as chief advisor to then-Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan from 2003 to 2009, and as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2009 to 2014.

Why did Ahmet Davutoğlu resign as Prime Minister?

Davutoğlu resigned due to a deterioration in relations and policy disagreements with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, particularly regarding parliamentary candidate lists, government policy, and the implementation of an executive presidential system.

What were some major challenges during his premiership?

His premiership was marked by the escalation of conflict with the PKK, the spillover effects of the Syrian Civil War, the European migrant crisis, and domestic political conflicts with the Gülen Movement, alongside criticisms regarding authoritarianism.