Erdogan beat back the greatest political challenge of his career securing victory in a presidential runoff that granted five more years to a mercurial leader who has vexed his Western allies.

His victory means he could remain in power for at least a quarter-century while pursuing his vision of a country with increasing economic and geopolitical might

Erdogan’s supporters shrugged off Turkey’s challenges, including a looming economic crisis, and lauded him for developing the country and supporting conservative Islamic values

In many Turkish cities on Sunday night, Erdogan’s supporters honked car horns, cheered and gathered in public squares to watch the results roll in and await his victory speech. Thousands gathered outside the presidential palace in Ankara, waiving red and white Turkish flags

“It is not only us who won, it is Turkey,” Erdogan said, to raucous applause. “It is our nation that won with all its elements. It is our democracy.”