Ahmet Davutoglu, who served as Turkey’s Prime Minister between 2014 and 2016, has stepped down from the political stage. Once considered the intellectual architect of Turkey’s foreign policy under the Justice and Development Party (AKP), Davutoglu’s career was defined by his close partnership with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, followed by a significant political falling out.

After leaving the AKP, Davutoglu founded the Future Party (Gelecek Partisi) in 2019, positioning himself as a center-right alternative to the ruling government. Throughout his time as an opposition leader, he frequently criticized the administration’s economic policies and the shift toward a presidential system. His departure from politics follows years of navigating Turkey’s complex political landscape, where he attempted to bridge the gap between conservative voters and democratic reform movements.

While the announcement is framed by some as a natural conclusion to a long career, others view it as a reflection of the challenges faced by smaller opposition parties in Turkey’s current political climate. There is no disagreement regarding the fact of his resignation, though outlets differ on the significance of his legacy. Supporters emphasize his academic background and early diplomatic successes, while critics often point to his initial support for policies that later led to the centralization of power in Turkey. His exit leaves a void in the Future Party, which must now determine its direction without its founding leader.