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Erdogan weakness exposed as interior minister's resignation rejected

TURKEY’S ruling Justice & Development Party (AKP) has been accused of “political bankruptcy” over a piece of political theatre in which Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu resigned, only to be told to stay on.

Late on Sunday, Mr Soylu issued an “emotional apology”for his mishandling of the lockdown of 31 of Turkey’s major cities two nights before.

Only a few hours’ notice was given of the measure, leading to chaos and confusion on the streets as people desperately tried to make their way home.

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