Kemal Kiliçdaroglu (1948) has gone from being the eternal opposition candidate without charisma to leading an opposition coalition. His political career experienced a turning point five years ago, when he led a massive march walking from Ankara to Istanbul to denounce the authoritarian drift of President Erdogan.
The Social Democratic leader wants to abandon the presidential system, where the head of state concentrates much of the executive power, and strengthen the country's institutions. He has been defeated in several elections against the Turkish president but has managed to maintain his influence in the party.