Turkish opposition calls for boycott of Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda amid political tensions
Ozgur Ozel, leader of Türkiye's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), gives a speech during a rally called by the CHP in support of Istanbul's arrested mayor Ekrem Imanoglu in Maltepe, on the outskirts of Istanbul on March 29, 2025. (AFP Photo)
Amid escalating political tensions in Türkiye, main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Ozgur Ozel has called for a boycott of Volkswagen and its subsidiary brands Audi and Skoda, targeting the German automaker’s Turkish distributor, Dogus Group.
The boycott is part of a broader campaign against media outlets that Ozel claims have ignored CHP’s protests following the arrest of former Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on March 19.
“Dogus Group, which also owns NTV, has entered the palace’s orbit due to economic difficulties,” Ozel told supporters at a rally in Ankara. “From now on, we’re boycotting NTV, NTV Sports, Star TV, as well as Gunaydin and Nusret restaurants. We’re carefully monitoring those who advertise on NTV.”
Turkish opposition extends boycott efforts to automotive sector
Directing his comments specifically at the automotive brands, Ozel said: “We’re communicating with both the factory management and the union. We’re the ones who buy and use these cars the most. From now on, we absolutely will not buy new Audis, Volkswagens, or Skodas.”
Volkswagen had issued a statement, a day prior to opposition leader’s call, to German newspaper Die Welt, saying: “We are closely following developments in the Republic of Türkiye. We hope that the legitimate interests of all people will be taken into account in the current tense political environment.”
When asked about judicial independence, the company added: “The independence of the judiciary is an important foundation for economic planning security and successful entrepreneurship. In this sense, the Turkish rule of law also bears a great responsibility in the current situation.”
The German automaker declined to specifically comment on discussions with its Turkish distributor, stating only that it has “decades-long business relations with importer Dogus Otomotiv” and asking for understanding that it would not share details about their dialogue.
CHP’s boycott call comes amid rising political tensions following the arrest of Imamoglu, who was detained on charges including “bid rigging, recording personal data, bribery, and establishing an organization.” Imamoglu, who was also a pre-candidate for the CHP’s presidential nomination, was subsequently removed from his position as mayor by the Interior Ministry.
