Current Politics

SUMMARY

In this section, societal perceptions and attitudes toward various dimensions of current politics are examined through six key statements. The study evaluates the effects of political polarization on how people interpret events, as well as the areas in which this polarization is partially overcome. Public opinion trends regarding several contemporary issues such as natural disasters, forest fires, refugee policies, and the success of the women’s national volleyball team are analyzed in detail:

• “The cause of the flood disaster in Kastamonu was the permission granted for construction in riverbeds.” (to what extent do you think this is true or false?)
• “The forest fires that lasted several weeks recently were deliberately not extinguished.” (to what extent do you think this is true or false?)
• “The acceptance of Afghan refugees into Turkey is a responsibility stemming from our country’s history and geography.” (to what extent do you think this is true or false?)
• “I felt proud of the success of our women’s volleyball team.” (to what extent do you think this is true or false?)
• “Those who govern the country are becoming increasingly distant from the people.” (to what extent do you think this is true or false?)
• “The AK Party has now outlived its time.” (to what extent do you think this is true or false?)