Eigentlich wollte der Istanbuler Bürgermeister Ekrem İmamoğlu sich zum Präsidentschaftskandidaten ausrufen lassen. Die politisch gesteuerte türkische Justiz kam ihm zuvor.
Turkish authorities issued an arrest warrant for Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, potentially barring him from running for president. This action, condemned as a "coup attempt" by his party, is seen as an effort by President Erdoğan to eliminate a strong rival, exploit divisions within the CHP party, and escalate tensions. The move follows increased repression against opponents and civil society, as well as prior legal challenges based on questions about İmamoğlu's university degree, which was annulled days before his candidacy announcement.
