‘Gezi generation’ fleeing Turkey

Source:al Monitor Date:22Sep2018

How Turkey’s Islamist and authoritarian polices are draining the country off muhc needed talent and youthful dynamism.

The staggering 42.5% increase in emigration last year stems from the political watersheds in 2016 and 2017. The failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016, and the ensuing state of emergency resulted in severe restrictions on rights and freedoms. Then came the April 16, 2017, constitutional referendum, in which an authoritarian presidential regime was narrowly approved. Erdogan’s victory in the June 24 elections, which completed the transition to the new regime, and the ensuing economic downturn are expected to further accelerate the emigration wave.