Turkish opposition figures face legal scrutiny amid debate

A tense week for Turkish politics saw three separate investigations targeting prominent opposition figures including main opposition Republican People’s Party’s (CHP) Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, the head of CHP’s youth branch, and lastly far-right Victory Party leader Umit Ozdag, raising concerns about the use of legal measures against opposition figures.

Analyst Ufuk Uras, pollster Ihsan Aktas, and CHP Deputy Utku Cakirozer share their perspectives with Türkiye Today, exploring the broader implications for Türkiye’s democracy and political landscape.

3 investigations in matter of days

Imamoglu faces an investigation for comments about Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akin Gurlek during a televised address. Gurlek, linked to high-profile cases criticized by the Republican People’s Party (CHP) as politically driven, has become a focal point of tension.

Imamoglu stated, “We will uproot the mentality that governs you to save even your children from this rotten treatment.” The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office responded by launching an investigation into İmamoğlu on charges of “threat” and “targeting individuals involved in counterterrorism efforts.”

Imamoglu denied allegations of “threat” and “targeting counterterrorism officials,” calling his remarks a demand for impartial justice. “I stand by my words,” he said.

Meanwhile, CHP Youth Branches chairman Cem Aydin was detained in a dawn raid over a social media post targeting Gürlek, facing charges of “insulting a public official” and “targeting counterterrorism efforts.”

Government’s perspective

Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc condemned Imamoglu’s remarks, emphasizing the importance of judicial independence. He stated on social media, “Threatening statements targeting members of the judiciary and attempting to influence judicial processes are unacceptable.” Tunc reiterated that public comments attempting to sway judicial investigations violate Turkish Penal Code principles.

The detentions and investigations came shortly after President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan remarked that “the biggest of the radish is still in the sack,” a Turkish idiom suggests that more substantial revelations or actions are yet to come, following the arrest of CHP’s Besiktas mayor Bektas with corruption reasons.

Opposition’s next step

CHP Deputy Utku Cakirozer accused the government of attempting to wear out dissents by legal actions, adding, “It’s not just politicians; anyone who speaks up faces detention or punishment.” Cakirozer, in special talks to Türkiye Today, highlighted a broader erosion of democracy and economic challenges under the current administration, claiming that fear of losing power drives the government’s actions.

According to the deputy, the CHP has outlined its strategy to counter these challenges, prioritizing calls for early elections. “Our primary struggle is to bring the ballot box before the people as soon as possible. Ensuring early elections and rescuing millions from this oppressive and authoritarian government is our main goal,” Cakirozer stated, adding that CHP leader Ozgur Ozel would soon outline a detailed roadmap.

Political strategists within the opposition suggest that announcing a presidential candidate could help galvanize support and strengthen Imamoglu’s defense. However, it remains unclear whether CHP leadership will adopt this approach.

Coalition’s strategy

Political analyst Berk Esen characterized the recent actions as part of a broader strategy by the ruling coalition to undermine the opposition. According to Esen, this strategy involves targeting high-profile CHP figures like Imamoğlu with investigations to diminish their influence, leveraging the renewed peace process to divide Kurdish factions from the broader opposition, and weakening other opposition parties by orchestrating defections of deputies and mayors.

Ufuk Uras, a politician and columnist, criticized the ruling party’s approach, stating, “The government is trying to create a rose garden for itself without thorns,” meaning that the government is attempting to create a political landscape without opposition. However, seemingly the opposition’s response plays into the ruling party’s hands,” Uras observed. 

Noting that the decline from participation in unions to opposition parties’ organizations, there’s an ongoing trend that suggests the opposition’s response to these developments are not enough, he added.

Uras also highlighted parallels between President’s “Turkish Century” vision and the MAGA concept in the U.S., emphasizing their shared traits of leader-centric, authoritarian populism.

“While not directly linked, these movements often feed off each other,” pointing out that as populist tendencies grow in many countries, the boundaries of populist leaders’ influence also expand, reinforcing their authority harsher.

However, “the government cannot present itself as a model in this way when it comes to foreign policy,” Uras added.

2019 redux?

The potential political fallout of these investigations remains uncertain. Similar actions against Imamoglu in 2019 backfired, boosting his popularity. A repeat scenario could emerge if the public perceives these moves as politically motivated.

Public opinion researcher Ihsan Aktaş, head of the GENAR polling company, emphasized the public’s expectations in navigating this issue. “Citizens want to see investments, economic recovery, and tangible progress from the government,” he noted, reflecting the priorities on one side of the equation.

On the other hand, Aktaş highlighted the public’s demand for forward-thinking and effective strategies from the opposition.

“The opposition needs to show robust preparation and provide clear alternatives to gain public confidence. When the CHP fails to produce effective policies, they end up fixating on such issues. The party currently lacks a clear stance on key matters, such as changes in Syria or the renewed peace process. Without definitive positions, secondary political issues tend to grow disproportionately and dominate the agenda.”

As Türkiye enters yet another politically charged chapter, the public remains caught between government actions that appear increasingly heavy-handed and an opposition struggling to offer decisive leadership.