ANKARA — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s youngest son, Bilal, has begun appearing in public opinion polls, fueling speculation in Ankara that he is entering politics with an eye toward eventually succeeding his father. 

Analysts say his most likely first step would be to assume a leadership role within the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

Bilal Erdogan, 44, has expanded his public profile with more frequent appearances on Turkey’s pro-government media outlets in recent months. His heightened visibility has been accompanied by a flurry of news reports discussing him as a potential successor to his father. 

The president's son, who received his bachelor’s degree in public administration from Harvard University in 2004, has so far not become formally involved in party politics, instead building his profile through pro-government civil society networks. He currently serves on the High Advisory Board of TUGVA, a pro-government youth foundation focused on education and leadership training that has faced criticism over alleged favoritism in public appointments, and chairs a conservative education group with deep roots in Turkey’s Islamist movement.

Bilal’s entry into politics is under active consideration within the ranks of the ruling AKP, Bloomberg reported this month, citing people familiar with the deliberations. He is also receiving informal political leadership training, the outlet said, though it did not say where he might be receiving it. 

Bilal, however, has publicly denied harboring political ambitions. 

“I have no political ambition,” he told Russia’s TASS news agency in April. Speaking to the "Atheer" podcast in January, he reiterated that he had no goal of pursuing the presidency or a political career. 

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© Al Monitor