His record is clean in the sense that (unlike the prime minister) there has been no allegations or evidence of corruption involving him. He has been positioning himself as the more modern, tolerant option the conservative AKP party that has been in power over the decade.
However, it's safe to say that he talked to talk but failed to walk it. When the government started passing laws that undermine the independence of judicial system, free media, etc. he decided to tow the party line and failed to take any action, even symbolic ones, disappointing many that expected more from him.
He also has not taken any action or made any comments to address the corruption allegations against the government. It appears, he is aligned with the current administration in their struggle to hold on to power. Possible conclusions are
a)he does not believe they are corrupt (despite significant evidence to the contrary)
b) he believes struggle against Gulen movement is more important
c) his hands are not sufficiently clean to take any action
His current position is indeed mostly ceremonial but still has impact. More importantly, there is (at least was) discussion to change the system towards a more powerful presidency along the lines of France or US. Gul was presenting himself as the more palatable and clean option (the modern conservative). It is not clear he can convince the masses on this anymore.
However, it's safe to say that he talked to talk but failed to walk it. When the government started passing laws that undermine the independence of judicial system, free media, etc. he decided to tow the party line and failed to take any action, even symbolic ones, disappointing many that expected more from him.
He also has not taken any action or made any comments to address the corruption allegations against the government. It appears, he is aligned with the current administration in their struggle to hold on to power. Possible conclusions are a)he does not believe they are corrupt (despite significant evidence to the contrary) b) he believes struggle against Gulen movement is more important c) his hands are not sufficiently clean to take any action
His current position is indeed mostly ceremonial but still has impact. More importantly, there is (at least was) discussion to change the system towards a more powerful presidency along the lines of France or US. Gul was presenting himself as the more palatable and clean option (the modern conservative). It is not clear he can convince the masses on this anymore.