The Council of Europe’s Congress of Local and Regional Authorities has raised serious concerns over the Turkish government’s continued crackdown on opposition mayors, setting the stage for a heated debate in Strasbourg later this week.
Meeting on Sunday, the Bureau of the Congress adopted a draft declaration condemning the dismissals and prosecutions of elected officials in Turkey, particularly targeting those from opposition parties.
The move comes in the wake of the recent arrest and detention of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, a prominent figure within the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP).
The Congress Bureau, alarmed by what it describes as an erosion of democratic freedoms, has called on Turkish authorities to halt the prosecution and detention of opposition representatives, release those currently imprisoned, and put an end to excessive restrictions on freedoms of assembly and expression.
The issue will now be debated under urgent procedure during the Congress’ 48th session in Strasbourg, with a plenary discussion scheduled for Thursday, 27th March. The decision underscores growing international unease over Turkey’s increasingly hardline stance against political opposition, amid broader concerns over the rule of law and democratic integrity in the country.
A Pattern of Repression
Turkey has faced repeated criticism from European institutions for its treatment of opposition politicians, particularly at the municipal level. Since the local elections of 2019, dozens of mayors, particularly from the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), have been removed from office, often replaced by government-appointed trustees. The dismissals, typically justified on allegations of terrorism links, have been widely viewed as politically motivated.
However, the latest developments signal an escalation in the crackdown, with İmamoğlu’s case drawing particular attention due to his high-profile status. As the mayor of Turkey’s largest city and a potential challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, his legal troubles are seen as part of a broader strategy to weaken opposition forces ahead of future elections.
The European Parliament and human rights groups have repeatedly urged Ankara to respect democratic norms, but Turkish authorities have continued their aggressive campaign against political dissent. Critics argue that the government’s approach is not only undermining democratic principles but also alienating Turkey from its European partners.
Growing International Pressure
The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, part of the Council of Europe, plays a key role in monitoring democracy at the local and regional levels. Its decision to prioritise Turkey’s situation at its upcoming session indicates the gravity of the matter. The draft declaration signals a firm stance, calling for the immediate release of detained politicians and an end to restrictions on political freedoms.
This latest intervention adds to mounting international scrutiny. The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has previously ruled against Turkey in cases involving jailed opposition figures, but Ankara has been reluctant to comply with these decisions. Now, with the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities adding its voice to the growing chorus of concern, pressure on the Turkish government is set to intensify.
Diplomatic sources suggest that the outcome of the Congress debate on Thursday could influence broader EU-Turkey relations, particularly as Ankara seeks to maintain its economic and strategic partnerships with European nations. A strong resolution condemning Turkey’s actions could prompt further discussions on potential sanctions or diplomatic measures.
An Uncertain Future
As Turkey edges closer to its next electoral cycle, the crackdown on opposition figures raises serious questions about the country’s democratic trajectory. İmamoğlu’s arrest has already sparked protests and international condemnation, with many seeing it as a test case for the future of political pluralism in Turkey.
For now, all eyes are on Strasbourg, where European leaders will debate what measures, if any, can be taken to safeguard democratic norms in Turkey. Whether Ankara heeds the calls for change remains to be seen, but the growing international outcry suggests that Turkey’s democratic backsliding will not go unchallenged.
Image: CoE
