Istanbul mayor has become the only politician capable of challenging Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the ballot boxWhen crowds of police arrived at the residence of the Istanbul mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, to arrest him in a dawn raid last week, his response was calm and deliberate. The mayor of Turkey’s largest city – a longtime rival of the president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan – issued a video message to his supporters, filming himself as he put on a crisp white shirt and tie to be dressed for his detention.“A small group is trying to usurp the will of the people,” he said. “I will stand strong.” Continue reading...
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a rival of President Erdoğan, was arrested and removed from office, despite being nominated by the CHP for president. İmamoğlu, who shares some parallels with Erdoğan's past persecution, has garnered significant grassroots support and is seen as a strong challenger to the president. His detention has sparked protests and could potentially bolster his support base.
