Imamoglu’s Arrest Sparks National Movement Amid Turkey’s Deepening Political Divide

As the Republican People’s Party (CHP) moved to nominate Ekrem Imamoglu for the presidency, a shocking development sent ripples through Turkish politics: the popular mayor of Istanbul was arrested and jailed on charges of corruption. His detention—along with that of campaign organizers, students, journalists, and activists—marked a turning point in the nation’s escalating confrontation between authoritarian control and democratic resistance.

The arrest came just after Imamoglu recorded a now-viral message condemning autocracy and urging people to determine his fate. In a swift response, the CHP converted what was to be an internal meeting into a nationwide primary, mobilizing over 15 million voters—about 25% of the electorate—to formally back Imamoglu’s candidacy.

Public Resistance and Economic Boycotts Gain Momentum

In scenes reminiscent of the Gezi Park protests in 2013, Turks have again taken to the streets, driven by a mix of outrage and hope. The CHP and opposition parties have united to launch economic boycotts, while activists demand Imamoglu’s release from what they describe as politically motivated charges.

The government remains defiant. Officials from the Justice and Development Party (AKP) have dismissed accusations of judicial interference. In a controversial move, Istanbul University revoked Imamoglu’s degree, a necessary credential for presidential candidates in Turkey.

Erdogan’s Unchallenged Reign Faces Its Most Serious Test

Having ruled since 2003, first as Prime Minister and now as President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan remains the only political figure known to most of Turkey’s youth. His early years saw rapid growth and international stature, but recent years have been marked by:

• Economic crises and currency devaluation

• Social and institutional polarization

• Mounting criticism of authoritarianism

Despite this, Erdogan’s personal charisma has helped the AKP retain power, even as election margins grow thinner.

Imamoglu’s Progressive Municipalism Challenges AKP Orthodoxy

Imamoglu’s appeal lies in his social-democratic approach to city governance, a sharp contrast to AKP’s economic model. His policies—free milk for children, affordable food services, domestic violence monitoring, and expanded daycare and healthcare access—have been replicated by other CHP municipalities, creating a nationwide template of inclusive urban leadership.

These initiatives not only improved daily life but also signaled an alternative national economic vision, prompting the AKP to treat Imamoglu as a significant political threat.

A Fragile Democracy at a Crossroads

While Turkey’s elections have technically remained free, the imbalance in state and media control, as well as intimidation of opposition figures, has raised questions over democratic integrity.

The government’s strategy has mixed co-option and coercion: Kurdish mayors have been jailed and replaced by state appointees; nationalist figures like Umit Özdağ have been arrested; and leading CHP figures including Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş face judicial scrutiny.

The opposition fears that these tactics aim to block rising figures like Imamoglu from gaining traction ahead of a critical national vote.

International Reaction: Strategic Silence and Realpolitik

Some European leaders have criticized Imamoglu’s arrest, but overall the West remains cautious. Erdogan’s strategic roles in NATO, his influence in Syria, and Turkey’s diplomatic balancing between Russia and Ukraine offer him leverage.

Unlike his own politically charged imprisonment in 1999, which catapulted him into national leadership, Erdogan may believe jailing Imamoglu could derail—not empower—his challenger.

A Nation at a Tipping Point

When the author met Imamoglu in 2019, the mayor reflected that after 25 years of AKP rule, Istanbul’s residents were finally able to breathe. He pledged to restore the dream of the Republic, echoing the vision of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

Whether Imamoglu’s journey ends in national leadership or political suppression depends on the resilience of public protest and Erdogan’s willingness to escalate or retreat in this increasingly volatile political climate.