Public transport delays threaten to derail Erdogan

Significance

The change in signage is part of a broader contest between the national government and opposition mayors to deliver and claim credit for completing stalled municipal rail projects. Ankara is now rushing to complete major intercity rail and road projects, delayed by budgetary problems and the pandemic.

Impacts

• The powers of opposition-led municipalities may be further eroded, and authority centralised in Ankara.
• More confrontation is likely between municipal leaders and the central government.
• Bureaucrats who fail to implement projects may be replaced.
• Confrontation is possible with the EU over the Eurasia rail freight link and the planned Istanbul Canal.