European officials from several institutions have issued a rare joint warning to Turkey over concerns about the erosion of local democracy. The letter, addressed to Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi, highlights the prolonged detention of elected officials and its impact on democratic governance.
The initiative was announced by European Parliament rapporteur Nacho Sánchez Amor, who described it as an “unprecedented move.” Signatories include representatives from the European Parliament, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, and the European Committee of the Regions.
At the center of the concerns is the continued pretrial detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a leading opposition figure from the Republican People’s Party (CHP), who has been held since March 2025. His arrest, widely criticized as politically motivated, sparked nationwide protests.
The letter also points to a broader crackdown following the 2024 local elections, in which the CHP made significant gains. Dozens of opposition mayors have since faced investigation, detention, or removal, with some municipalities placed under trustee control or shifting to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
European officials warn that such measures risk violating the European Convention on Human Rights and undermining voters’ rights. While reaffirming willingness to engage with Ankara, they call for “tangible and sustainable progress” in upholding democratic standards.
