MASS DEMONSTRATIONS IN SUPPORT OF REMOVED MAYOR OF ISTANBUL - Massive demonstrations in support of the ousted mayor of Istanbul
In a politically charged atmosphere, Turkey has been gripped by a wave of anti-government protests, with Istanbul serving as the epicentre of the unrest. The catalyst for this movement was the arrest and removal of Ekrem İmamoğlu, the popular mayor of Istanbul, on March 19, 2025, under charges of corruption and supporting terrorism.
Following İmamoğlu's arrest, thousands of mainly young protesters gathered at Istanbul University and outside the Istanbul Municipal Palace to voice their opposition, marking a significant surge in youth political engagement. This demonstration was just the beginning of a series of protests that would spread across the country.
On March 29, 2025, a massive rally in Istanbul attracted an estimated 2.2 million people, demanding freedom for İmamoğlu. Simultaneous demonstrations took place in other Turkish cities, reflecting widespread public outrage. Protests erupted strongly in Istanbul, notably at Sarachane Square outside City Hall, continuing for at least five consecutive nights despite an imposed protest ban. Demonstrations spread quickly to over 55 of Turkey’s 81 provinces, including İzmir.
The protests, described as the worst street unrest in over a decade, continued to flare across Turkey. The ruling party intensified crackdowns on opposition figures and supporters. Hundreds of elected officials linked to the opposition, particularly in Istanbul, were arrested. The CHP (Republican People’s Party) maintained momentum by holding rallies across the country, especially in İzmir, where additional arrests were made amid ongoing wildfires.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan insists on the independence of the judiciary, but the CHP views these arrests as a result of a justice system manipulated by the government. Erdoğan’s government has been accused of systematically undermining democratic norms by arresting or sidelining opponents, including İmamoğlu, Selahattin Demirtaş, and Ümit Özdağ, to maintain power.
Despite these challenges, the CHP's nominee for presidential candidate, Ekrem İmamoğlu, has shown resilience, continuing to garner support from the Turkish public. Thousands of people have gathered in Istanbul to protest İmamoğlu's arrest and removal, with protesters chanting slogans such as "Against Fascism, Side by Side" and "President İmamoğlu."
It is important to note that the next regular elections in Turkey are scheduled for 2028, providing a significant window for the opposition to regroup and mount a strong challenge to Erdoğan's rule. The unrest highlights deepening democratic challenges under Erdoğan's rule, a situation that continues to evolve as the political landscape in Turkey unfolds.
- The Commission, amid the political turmoil in Turkey, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, considering the potential health risks that may arise during protests and conflicts.
- In the context of the intensifying political dynamics, policy-and-legislation discussions on war-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice, and accidents have taken center stage, with the need for more stringent measures and accountability becoming increasingly evident.
- General news outlets continue to report on the ongoing unrest in Turkey, focusing not only on the protests and political shifts but also on the series of accidents that have occurred across the country, raising questions about the government's ability to manage and mitigate these incidents effectively.
