Protests and crackdown on democracy in Türkiye
MEPs will discuss the latest developments in Türkiye, including the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Tuesday.
Thousands of people in Türkiye have been demonstrating since 19 March 2025 when Turkish authorities arrested Istanbul’s mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu on corruption charges. İmamoğlu, who is considered as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's main political rival, said the allegations against him are politically motivated.
In a , the EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos urged Türkiye’s authorities to provide full transparency on their actions. The detention of Mr İmamoğlu “gives rise to questions regarding Türkiye's adherence to its long-established democratic tradition,” they added..
Since the eruptions of public demonstrations following the arrest, more than 1,400 people have been detained, according to Türkiye’s interior minister. Human rights groups have condemned the arrests and the use of force by police against protesters.
EU accession negotiations with Türkiye have been at standstill since 2018 due to the country’s fundamental democratic failings.
Debate: Tuesday, 1 April
Procedure: Statement by the EU Foreign Policy Chief, no resolution