Here, Erdoğan's leadership comes to the fore. He strives to ensure the renewal without allowing any contention and conflict within the party, especially after the local elections. Well, if you ask what is different this time, I would say that alliances have changed the nature of politics. The boxing match is no longer the only game in town.
In brief, putting pressure on your rivals with harsh criticism is not enough to ensure your victory. As the phrase goes, it is time to take advantage of your rival's power and tactics using new methods. Parties and leaders should be aware that their classical methods have been learnt and thus mobilize multiple tactics and discourses.
The need to direct your base and the electorate accordingly is obvious. This can be achieved by ensuring balance between review, renewal and the perseverance of struggle. If one of these aspects is missed or exaggerated, disputes will start within the party or the alliance.
Erdoğan's messages at the Kızılcahamam meeting illustrate the approach of an experienced leader in ensuring the balance. Especially in an environment where the results of the Istanbul elections are not yet clear, it is very sensible that he has extended review and renewal over a period of time. It is also reasonable that he has emphasized the struggle while controlling timing.
This is why he blends change and renewal with recalling of the sensation of cause. The reason why he combines his call for the "Turkey Alliance" with his criticism of the opposition is that he observes the balance. At a time when domestic and foreign politics are intertwined and when foreign politics heats up over a number of issues, from the S-400s to the Iran sanctions, it would be naïve to make self-criticism alone. Of course, review is essential. It is an inevitable necessity to see the shortcomings and fulfill the duties assigned by the nation. This will bring healthy results only if carried out with the leader's timing and ordering. In this case, it will benefit not your rivals, but you.
[Daily Sabah, 3 May 2019]