In Istanbul, tensions are rising as Turkey’s President accuses the political opposition of damaging the economy amid widespread protests following the arrest of the city’s mayor. These demonstrations, marking the largest in over a decade, erupted in response to charges against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who is seen as a formidable opponent to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s lengthy 22-year leadership.
President Erdogan’s critique of the opposition emerged alongside calls from the opposition to boycott businesses that back his government. Erdogan claimed the opposition is recklessly driving the nation towards chaos, warning that any acts of economic subversion will face legal consequences. His comments were directed at members of his Justice and Development Party, known as the AKP.
Ekrem Imamoglu, a significant political figure and leader in the opposition, was detained recently on allegations related to corruption and terror affiliations within Istanbul’s municipal operations. A court order last Sunday confirmed his detention, although the trial date remains pending. Observers widely view these charges as politically motivated, despite the government’s insistence on judicial independence.
The particulars of the case against Imamoglu remain undisclosed. However, Turkish media suggest the accusations rely heavily on “secret witnesses,” a controversial approach used in earlier cases against opposition members. Musavat Dervisoglu, a prominent opposition leader from the Iyi Party, expressed skepticism over the corruption claims, highlighting the lack of evidence after extensive inspections.
In political developments, the Istanbul municipal assembly appointed a stand-in mayor, with Nuri Aslan of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) taking the temporary role. Although the CHP ceased organizing protests at the City Hall, student-led demonstrations continue across Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, advocating for Imamoglu’s release and democratic reform.
From prison, Imamoglu criticized what he described as excessive police force against protestors, questioning the integrity of the officers involved. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that over 1,400 individuals have been detained amidst these ongoing protests, including union representatives and members of student groups.
With national elections scheduled for 2028, there are speculations that Erdogan might call an early election in pursuit of another term. Imamoglu, as the confirmed candidate for the CHP, challenges Erdogan strongly in recent polling, having already dealt a significant electoral blow by securing the mayoralty in Turkey’s largest city back in 2019.