New Poll Shows Turks Don’t Believe Municipal Probes Are Fair

A new nationwide survey analyzed by researcher and public opinion expert Hakan Bayrakçı reveals a sharp erosion of public trust in the fairness of municipal audits and investigations. According to Bayrakçı, the data shows that the “sense of justice” is breaking down even among government supporters, marking one of the most significant perception shifts in recent years.
The survey reports that 63.2% of respondents believe current investigations are not handled fairly. Bayrakçı described this as “extremely high and remarkable,” noting how unusual it is for so many people across demographics to converge on such a critical opinion.

Nearly 90% Dissatisfied Nationwide

Bayrakçı emphasized the magnitude of the findings, noting that the overall dissatisfaction level approaches an exceptional threshold.
“In any country, obtaining results approaching 90% on any issue is sporadic. The result itself shows that the public views these investigations with deep suspicion.”
This level of skepticism, he argues, highlights a broader crisis of credibility in state oversight practices, with citizens increasingly unconvinced that audits are conducted objectively.

CHP Voters Show Strong Internal Unity

Breakdowns by political preference reveal notable trends. Approximately 7% of CHP voters think the investigations might be justified. Bayrakçı explains that this could include those aligned with previous party leadership factions or individuals who have criticisms of the new administration.
Still, an overwhelming 88% of CHP supporters reject the process as unfair, illustrating near-unanimous disapproval. According to Bayrakçı, such strong consensus within a major political party underscores how pervasive distrust has become.

One-Third of AK Party Voters Don’t Trust the Process

The survey’s most striking result emerges from the ruling party’s base. While 45% of AK Party voters believe the investigations are fair, 35% say they are not.
Bayrakçı labels this finding “extraordinary,” noting that ruling party voters typically back government actions at rates between 75% and 90%.

“The fact that one-third of AK Party voters openly say ‘These processes are not fair’ is extremely telling. It shows a serious persuasion problem within the party’s own base.”
This internal divide suggests a weakening of cohesion among government supporters and signals broader concerns about institutional credibility.

Public Rejects High-Profile Espionage Claims

The survey also explored reactions to recent espionage accusations involving Ekrem İmamoğlu, Necati Özkan, and journalist Merdan Yanardağ. A majority, 53.8% of participants, stated they do not believe these claims.

Bayrakçı argues that the public’s familiarity with these figures contributes to the disbelief:
“The public did not find espionage accusations against long-standing public figures, journalists, or political advisors credible. This is viewed as a serious strategic miscalculation.”

The data suggests that the public distinguishes sharply between legitimate oversight and politically motivated allegations, especially when the accusations lack substantive resonance.

A Broader Pattern of Distrust

Together, the results illustrate a mounting crisis of confidence. Across the political spectrum, voters express doubt about the impartiality of state-led investigations, whether directed at municipalities or high-profile political personalities.

The overarching takeaway: public trust in institutional fairness is eroding, and the skepticism is now widespread enough to affect every major voter group in the country.