Brazil’s president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, received the highest ranking. The magazine ranked leaders according to their popularity and performance while docking points for bad behavior. The magazine placed US President Barack Obama as the second in its ranking of 15 leaders. Erdoğan seized fifth place in the ranking, and his popularity at home comprised most of his credits.
Stressing the well-sailing and sustained Turkish economy with all its success, the magazine said forecasters predict a 6.8 percent increase in GDP in 2010 -- exemplary growth in a world where advanced industrialized economies are rapidly shrinking. The magazine, however, said despite economic development, unemployment rates in the country remain among the highest in Europe.
The magazine said tough challenges lay ahead for Turkey’s strong leader, as Turkey is planning to become a powerhouse and a central state in its region. The report said it is almost impossible for Turkey to achieve this without stepping on the feet of its former friends and ally states.
Also speaking about the way he leads his nation, the report said Erdoğan is unable to maintain indifference to Western policies, which he sees as having double standards toward his country. The magazine said his anger over this wins him support from the population.
Underlining that the leader is still very popular in Turkey, the report said the conservative electorate considers him a hero, while liberals respect him due to his reforms within the framework of the European Union membership talks. The report confirms that Erdoğan is a “good” leader who is trying to place Turkey in a powerful position in the world.
