Erdogan said: the world is ruled by only two people, and I am one of them

The world can sleep peacefully, because Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Vladimir Putin have officially taken responsibility for all of humanity. At least, this is what Erdogan himself thinks, who called himself and Putin "the only real world leaders" during a meeting with young people in Turkey.

"We are the main ones, because we are experienced"

Turkey's president, who has been in office for more than 20 years, clearly prides himself on his political endurance. "This is not just my opinion, it is a fact. I have been working in my position for 22 years, and Putin has a similar experience," Erdogan said, as if the number of years in power automatically adds wisdom and authority to politicians.

And here I want to ask: can the length of the reign guarantee quality? It seems that Erdogan and Putin have failed this test.

The further from Merkel, the closer to Schroeder

Erdogan's comment about Germany was particularly insightful: according to him, the country's politics "lost its strength" after the departure of Angela Merkel. But there was also a hero of the day - former chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, who, according to Erdogan, has a "special place" in German politics.

Reason? Schroeder, it turns out, did not drink beer at Erdogan's table during Ramadan. This is undoubtedly a historical criterion by which outstanding political figures are determined.

The old school of autocrats

Erdogan and Putin do have things in common. Both have ruled their countries for so long that it is already becoming like a reality show about the permanence of power. Both seek to control every aspect of public life, from the media to the opposition. Both assure that they are doing everything for their people, but their methods are more reminiscent of a dystopian scenario.

However, times are changing. Even the most experienced autocrats leave the stage sooner or later. And here the question arises: who will assume the role of "one world leader" when these two leave?

"Two on the throne, and the Earth is theirs"

Erdoğan's statement is not an ambition, but a mixture of narcissism and political marketing. Are there real leaders in the world? Yes, but their power is not measured by the number of years in power, but by real changes for the people.