Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu’s removal could bolster his presidential bid: Opposition leader

Turkish opposition leader Ozgur Ozel addressed the recent appointment of a trustee in Esenyurt Municipality, hinting that a similar move in Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan could “inadvertently” increase support for Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.

Ozel suggested that this could strengthen Imamoglu’s potential candidacy in the next presidential election.

Trustee appointment sparks debate over municipal authority

Following the appointment of a trustee to Esenyurt Municipality, Ozel raised concerns about similar actions for IBB, asserting that “if Erdogan wants to make Imamoglu a presidential candidate, he would pursue this course, not realizing the support it could generate.”

Ozel rejects presidential candidacy to preserve party’s unity

On the topic of his own potential presidential bid, Ozel reiterated his decision to refrain from running, citing concerns over objectivity and personal ambition. “If I were to run, I might lose my impartiality, act out of personal ambition, or hinder other candidates,” he stated, adding that he is focused on ensuring the best candidate emerges through broad consensus.

CHP achieves first place in polls, continues to revamp party strategy

Reflecting on his first year as CHP chairman, Ozel noted that the party’s support has grown, with recent polls placing CHP as the leading party since the last local elections.

Addressing questions on the removal of mayors and replacement by trustees in Batman, Mardin and Halfeti, Ozel criticized the government’s approach as “undermining Türkiye’s democracy”.

He emphasized that any criminal charges against mayors should be adjudicated through courts rather than bypassed with appointments by decree, suggesting these actions target voters who did not support the ruling party.