Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu Arrested: Political and Economic Fallout in Turkey
A shocking move by Turkish authorities sees the arrest of opposition leader Ekrem İmamoğlu on corruption and terrorism charges, raising political tensions and economic concerns.
Watan-In a surprising move that has shaken Turkey’s political landscape, authorities have arrested Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu on charges related to corruption and aiding a terrorist organization. This development raises serious questions and concerns about its potential political and economic ramifications in Turkey.
Why is This Considered a “Political Earthquake”?
İmamoğlu is one of the most prominent figures in the opposition and was considered a potential candidate for the upcoming presidential elections.
The arrest has sparked widespread reactions from both the opposition and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). It has also had tangible economic consequences, as the Turkish lira saw a sharp decline following the news.
Who is Ekrem İmamoğlu?
Ekrem İmamoğlu is a Turkish politician, engineer, and businessman. Born in 1971, he became the Mayor of Istanbul in 2019 after a fierce electoral battle against Binali Yıldırım, the candidate of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
He earned a degree in Business Administration from Istanbul University and completed his master’s degree at the same university in 1995. However, he did not immediately pursue further education and only completed it years later through a student amnesty program.
İmamoğlu started his career in the construction and real estate sector before entering politics. He joined the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and gradually climbed the ranks until becoming the mayor of Beylikdüzü, a district in Istanbul, in 2014.
In 2019, İmamoğlu ran as the CHP candidate for the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality elections. Despite fierce competition against the ruling party’s candidate, he won by a narrow margin.
However, the election results were annulled, and a re-run was held in June 2019, in which İmamoğlu secured a landslide victory. This made him the first opposition mayor of Istanbul since 1994, solidifying his status as a rising force in Turkish politics and a potential challenger to President Erdoğan in the upcoming presidential elections.
Why Was He Arrested?
On March 19, 2025, Turkish authorities carried out raids in Istanbul, leading to the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu and over 100 other individuals, including municipal officials and businessmen. They were charged with corruption and forming a criminal organization.
Additionally, İmamoğlu was accused of “aiding a terrorist organization,” referring to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
The arrest came just days before the Republican People’s Party (CHP) primaries, in which İmamoğlu was seen as a potential candidate for the presidential elections. Furthermore, Istanbul University announced the cancellation of İmamoğlu’s degree, which could prevent him from running for president, as a university degree is a legal requirement for candidacy.
The timing of the arrest and the charges raised questions about its motivations. Some view it as an attempt to sideline İmamoğlu from the political scene and prevent him from running for president. However, the authorities deny any political motives, asserting that the investigations are conducted in accordance with the law.
What is the Opposition’s Stance?
İmamoğlu’s arrest has triggered outrage among Turkey’s opposition. The leader of the CHP, Özgür Özel, described the move as a “coup against democracy,” accusing the authorities of using the judiciary to remove İmamoğlu from the political scene and block his presidential candidacy.
The Mayor of Ankara and fellow CHP member, Mansur Yavaş, also condemned the arrest, stating that such actions are “unbefitting of a country that claims to uphold the rule of law.”
Protests erupted in several Turkish cities, particularly in Istanbul, where thousands of demonstrators gathered outside the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality building. They chanted slogans denouncing the arrest and demanding İmamoğlu’s immediate release. Some protests escalated into clashes with security forces, increasing tensions across the country.
What is the Ruling AKP’s Response?
On the other hand, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) denied any political motivations behind İmamoğlu’s arrest. Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç asserted that the investigations are being conducted independently and in line with the law, rejecting claims that the case is a political maneuver.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s office also criticized what it called a “smear campaign” against the government following the arrest. It urged citizens and the media to respect judicial decisions and avoid spreading unverified information that could further escalate tensions.
Some AKP members argued that the arrest is part of efforts to combat corruption and uphold the rule of law. They emphasized that all individuals, regardless of their positions, must be held accountable if found guilty of corruption or links to terrorist organizations.
What Are the Political and Economic Implications?
İmamoğlu’s arrest marks a turning point in Turkey’s political landscape. It could lead to a realignment of forces within the opposition, particularly within the CHP, as discussions intensify over an alternative presidential candidate. Two key figures within the party—Mansur Yavaş and Özgür Özel—are emerging as potential contenders.
On the other hand, the move could strengthen President Erdoğan’s position, particularly among his supporters, who see it as proof of his commitment to fighting corruption.
However, the arrest may also galvanize the opposition and mobilize public sentiment against the government, posing a challenge to the AKP in the upcoming elections.
Economically, the Turkish lira declined sharply following the announcement of İmamoğlu’s arrest, losing value against the U.S. dollar amid fears of political instability. Turkish stock market indices also dropped, reflecting investor concerns over the political crisis.
Analysts warn that the situation could erode investor confidence in the Turkish economy, potentially affecting foreign capital inflows and direct investments. If political tensions persist, Turkey may face additional economic pressures, particularly with presidential elections approaching.
