Acting Istanbul Mayor Nuri Aslan, accompanied by the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Ozgur Ozel, speaks after a council elected an interim mayor to run the city, in Istanbul, Turkey, March 26, 2025. REUTERS/Dilara Senkaya Purchase Licensing Rights
| Published March 26, 2025
In the wake of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu’s controversial detention, Turkey’s opposition has appointed Nuri Aslan as interim mayor. This decision by Istanbul’s municipal council follows a tense political climate, with Imamoglu’s arrest sparking mass protests across the country.
Imamoglu’s Arrest and Public Outcry
Imamoglu, a key figure in the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), faces graft charges that his supporters deem politically motivated. His detention has led to large-scale demonstrations in Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir, reminiscent of the country’s major anti-government protests from past years. Authorities have responded by arresting protesters, journalists, and other dissenting voices.
A digital bilboard displays a picture of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu during a municipal council to elect an interim mayor to run the city after Imamoglu was jailed pending trial, in Istanbul, Turkey, March 26, 2025. REUTERS/Dilara Senkaya Purchase Licensing Rights
Government Denies Influence Over Judiciary
President Tayyip Erdogan’s government insists that the judiciary operates independently and has dismissed the protests as a mere spectacle. Erdogan warned opposition leaders to avoid further “provocation” or risk legal consequences.
Image caption,Police have clashed with protesters in Ankara
CHP’s Response and Future Plans
Despite Erdogan’s warning, the CHP has pledged to continue its demonstrations and announced plans for an emergency party congress on April 6. This move aims to preempt any government efforts to undermine the party’s internal leadership.
Economic Impact
The political crisis has also taken a toll on Turkey’s economy. Financial markets have experienced volatility, prompting the central bank to intervene in an effort to stabilize the country’s currency, the lira.
Uncertain Political Landscape
As Nuri Aslan steps into the interim mayor role, Turkey’s political and economic future remains uncertain. How the CHP, protesters, and government will navigate the ongoing unrest could have far-reaching consequences for the country.
This period of unrest has left many Turks anxiously watching the developments, as the opposition tries to maintain momentum in its resistance to what it calls increasing authoritarianism under Erdogan’s leadership.
SOURCES: REUTERS – Turkey’s opposition elects interim Istanbul mayor after Imamoglu’s jailing
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