US news website Politico has labelled Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as one of the “most influential person in Europe”, noting not only his achievements in securing a Black Sea grain deal to help impoverished countries, but also his role as a mediator in the conflicts between Israel and Hamas, as well as the war in Ukraine.
Politico’s “Europe’s Most Influential People 2024” list included 28 names from Europe in three separate categories, including “doers,” “disrupters” and “dreamers,” each representing a different type of power. Erdogan ranked fifth and was characterised as a “mediator” in the “doers” category. Politico said:
Erdogan has long tried to position himself as a powerful geopolitical player.
The news website also highlighted Erdogan’s efforts to find a solution to the Hamas-Israel conflict, stating that he sought “de-escalation” with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, as well as Egyptian, Lebanese and Qatari leaders. The website said:
For now, Turkey joining the EU — or even talking about joining — is off the table. But EU officials are nonetheless considering how to enhance cooperation with Erdogan. Notch that up as another geopolitical triumph for the Turkish leader.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni tops the list in the same category, followed by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron and the head of the Ukrainian presidential administration, Andriy Yermak. Erdogan is followed by European Commission Vice-President Maroš Sefcović and French far-right MP Marine Le Pen.
