Another investigation into Ankara mayor Mansur Yavaş amid rising political tensions

Türkiye’s Interior Ministry has authorized an investigation into Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş over alleged misuse of municipal vehicles, adding to mounting legal pressure on opposition figures. The move comes as recent polling shows Yavaş leading President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in a potential presidential race.

Investigation linked to 2023 campaign rally

The Interior Ministry granted permission to investigate Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş over claims that municipal vehicles were used during a campaign rally in Karabük ahead of the 2023 elections.

The probe initially targeted former municipal official Aziz Murat Seyrek. Authorities later expanded the scope, arguing that such vehicles could not have been used without the mayor’s knowledge.

Yavaş has the right to appeal the decision within 10 days to the Council of State’s First Chamber.

Existing probes add to legal pressure

The latest move adds to two ongoing investigations involving Yavaş:

• Urban planning case (December 2025): Authorities are examining whether court rulings related to zoning changes in Ankara’s İncek district were properly implemented.
• Concert spending probe (November 2025): Prosecutors are investigating alleged irregularities in municipal event expenditures. The Interior Ministry had previously authorized investigations into Yavaş and senior aides, with some lower-level officials detained.

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Poll shows Yavaş leading Erdoğan

The investigation comes as new polling suggests Yavaş could pose a significant electoral challenge to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

According to a face-to-face survey conducted by Ankara-based research firm ANK-AR across 28 provinces with 2,004 participants between March 23–25:

• If Yavaş were to run against Erdoğan in a presidential election,
• Yavaş would secure 53.8% of the vote,
• Giving him a 7.5 percentage-point lead over the incumbent.

The findings highlight Yavaş as one of the strongest potential opposition candidates.

Political interpretation: pressure on a leading challenger

The timing of the investigation is likely to fuel political debate, as Yavaş is widely seen as a leading contender capable of defeating Erdoğan in a future presidential race.

Critics argue that the growing number of legal cases targeting opposition figures — particularly those with strong electoral prospects — reflects an effort to weaken potential challengers ahead of elections.

Opposition criticizes decision

Main opposition leader Özgür Özel, head of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), criticized the investigation, drawing comparisons with the use of state resources during the 2023 presidential campaign.

Özel said Erdoğan had used extensive state resources while campaigning and suggested the focus on a municipal vehicle was disproportionate.

He added that he would assess the substance of the allegations once further details become available.

Municipalities under political pressure

The investigation comes amid broader scrutiny of opposition-run municipalities.

In cases where opposition mayors have been detained, municipal councils have in some instances appointed replacements aligned with the ruling party — either directly or through shifts in council majorities.

Provinces seen as politically sensitive include:

• Kilis
• Amasya
• Kütahya
• Burdur
• Giresun
• Sinop
• Kırıkkale
• Kırşehir

Analysts say these developments could reshape local political control and influence the broader electoral landscape.