Erdogan Puts the Brakes on Nordic Countries' NATO Bid

LOCAL NEWS

• President Erdogan says he will not support Finland & Sweden’s NATO bid. Erdogan said they “should not tire themselves” by coming to Ankara to convince Turkey to approve their status as they continue to harbour terrorists (PKK).
  • Erdogan said he cannot approve nations that apply sanctions against Turkey (ban on weapons sales to Turkey). Meetings were expected to be held in Ankara yesterday on the issue. – Sabah
• ORC’s latest election survey on the 15-month voting changes between May 5 & 8 shows AKP received 28%, CHP 24.1%, and IYI Party 18.4% of the vote. The AKP saw the biggest change, losing more than 8% of the votes from 36.8% in Feb 2021. Conversely, the IYI Party increased its votes from 10.8% to 18.4%. CHP also increased its support from 22.3% to 24.1% - Cumhuriyet
• Erdogan’s Aide Kalin says Ankara must maintain a diplomatic balance so as to eventually facilitate negotiations to end the war. While Ankara has criticised Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it would be of no benefit to take a more punitive stance against Russia. – Ahval

Data:

• 0800BST: Apr Home Sales, 134.2k prior
• 0800BST: Apr Home Sales y/y, 20.6% prior
• FinMin Nebati attends general eassembly of the association of participation banks in Istanbul