Populist Surge: Former President's Turkey Trip Sparks Regional Buzz and Domestic Fury

Furthermore, the favorable coverage he received on Turkish news channels, including an interview on TGRT Haber, reinforced the positive reception. In the interview, he reportedly presented himself as a seasoned politician advocating for peace and global harmony, a message carefully crafted to appeal to a broader international audience and perhaps soften his hardline image, especially after being disqualified from the 2024 snap presidential election earlier that year. The interview's lack of challenging questions was noted by commentators, highlighting the generally favorable journalistic environment he encountered.