Erdogan's step of power: Arresting imamoglu sparked the wave of protests!

Erdogan's step of power: Arresting imamoglu sparked the wave of protests!

Istanbul, Türkei - The arrest of the Mayor of Istanbul Ekrem İmamoğlu ensures massive unrest and protests in Turkey. On March 19, 2025, İmamoğlu was arrested, with the accusation of corruption. This measure has triggered nationwide demonstrations in which hundreds of thousands of people in cities such as Istanbul and Ankara raised their voice. The participants are calling for his immediate release and the resignation of the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has held the office of president since 2014. Observers consider the arrest as part of Erdoğan's wider strategy in order to secure themselves against emerging political counter -forces and to pursue possible ambitions for a third term without this without being unconstitutional.

Erdoğan relies on the introduction of the presidential system in 2018, which according to its argumentation marks the beginning of a new era, which does not count his previous terms. In the Turkish constitution it is stipulated that a president can complete a maximum of two terms of office. Erdogan competed in a runoff election in 2023 after an election victory. For a third term in 2028, however, the parliament would either have to decide on either an early new elections - which requires a three -fifth majority - or a constitutional change that requires a two -thirds majority to eliminate the term of office.

political repression and protests

The arrest İmamoğlus is not the first incident of this kind. In recent years, Erdoğan has increasingly acted against opposition and critics. The AKP, which currently holds 319 of the 600 seats in parliament, slightly lost its majority in the last presidential election in May 2023. This development leads to dwindling support for Erdoğan, with many citizens suffering from the consequences of continuing inflation and high unemployment. İmamoğlu, who ruled in the local elections in 2024 as a connection to the opposition Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi (CHP), is considered a serious challenger for Erdoğan.

In response to the arrest, the government's critics have become loud. Methap Derin, chair of the Aalen Aakademie, commented on the development, while Vecdi Temizkan from the Kulturclub Antakya-Aalen criticized the unfounded arrest İmamoğlus. Cakir Akin from the Alevi Cultural Center in Schwäbisch Gmünd calls for the protection of fundamental democratic rights. The protesters also include many who observe a emigration from young specialists in view of the political situation in Turkey.

outlook and possible scenarios

The possibility for Erdoğan to approach another term remains uncertain. Observers suspect that secret negotiations with the Pro-Kurdish party that hold 57 seats can take place in order to achieve a three-fifth majority for new elections. In theory, it is also conceivable that Erdoğan could strive for a life time for life in a constitutional change, but the necessary two -thirds majority in parliament is currently hardly available.

The dynamics in Turkish politics are tense. A referendum about such a constitutional change could possibly be initiated, but the success would currently remain questionable, since the backing for Erdoğan overall is disappearing. In the arrest of İmamoğlus, critics not only see political repression, but also a sign of an impending path towards autocracy. These developments throw a shadow on the democratic future of Türkiye.