Photo Gallery Erdogan versus Gül
Turkish Prime Minsiter Erdogan and President Gül have long formed a powerful partnership. But the current protests could fracture their alliance. The two have been having an increasingly difficult time hiding their differences.
Demonstrators are demanding that Erdogan step down. His reaction has been one of brutality. President Gül, meanwhile, says that the message from the street has been heard.
Erdogan has several times sought to put an end to the protests. His methods have not always been particularly gentle. But the demonstrations on Taksim Square in Istanbul have continued.
Erdogan has managed to alienate even some of his own supporters with the stubborness he has displayed in reacting to the protests. Several people have died in the demonstrations and hundreds have been injured.
Even has Erdogan has sought to clear Taksim Square of protesters, they keep coming up with new forms of protest. Last week, thousands began simply standing silently in Taksim Square.
Turkish President Abdullah Gül is not shy about voicing criticism of the premier. Even as the two share a political vision, Gül has long sought to leverage more power for himself.
Gül recently seemed to counter Erdogan's brusque approach to the demonstrations by saying that democracy means more than merely casting a ballot every few years.
