The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) has adopted a strongly worded resolution condemning the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and over a hundred Turkish local officials, as well as the ongoing crackdown on opposition mayors in Türkiye. The initiative, spearheaded by the EPP Group in the CoR, received cross-party support from all political groups in a united stand for democratic values.
The resolution expresses deep alarm over the suspension of Mayor İmamoğlu on 23 March 2025, following his arrest and prosecution on what are widely seen as politically motivated charges. This development marks the continuation of a disturbing trend, with 14 elected mayors replaced by state-appointed trustees since the March 2023 local elections.
Jelena Drenjanin, Member of the Municipal Council of Huddinge Municipality, stated: “We will continue to coordinate our position to show a common front against the assault on democracy in Türkiye.”
Kostas Bakoyannis, Chair of the ENVE Commission and leader of the opposition in Athens, emphasised: “İmamoğlu’s imprisonment is based on fabricated proofs. He defeated Erdoğan multiple times in fair elections and represents EU values. This is not just an attack on him—it’s an attack on our shared commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and all citizens who believe in fair elections. EU governments cannot remain silent.”
Dimitrios Kafantaris, Municipal Councillor of Pylos-Nestoros, added: “There is deep concern about the current situation. What is happening undermines the country’s democracy, and there is no excuse for inaction when the Charter of Fundamental Rights is at stake.”
The CoR resolution: strongly condemns the arrests of local opposition leaders as a breach of democratic rules and the will of the electorate; calls for the immediate release of İmamoğlu and other politically imprisoned opposition politicians; urges the Turkish authorities to end politically motivated prosecutions and pressure on local governance and calls on the European Commission and Council to reconsider Türkiye’s EU accession process and participation in EU programs, citing backsliding on fundamental rights and democratic standards. This resolution underscores the CoR’s commitment to defending democratic institutions, political freedoms, and local self-government both within and beyond the EU’s borders.