The Turkish government, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has appointed trustees to two more municipalities governed by opposition parties, intensifying criticism over its handling of local governance and democratic principles.
Trustees were installed in the Tunceli and Ovacık municipalities on Tuesday, following a string of similar appointments in other opposition-controlled cities. Both municipalities had been won by non-AKP parties in the March 31, 2019, local elections. Tunceli was governed by the Democracy Party (DEM), while Ovacık was under the Republican People’s Party (CHP).
The government claims these appointments are necessary due to alleged links between elected officials and terrorist organizations. However, opposition leaders have called the accusations baseless, framing the move as an attempt to suppress dissent and override the will of the electorate.
Public Outcry
The decision triggered widespread protests in both cities, where thousands of demonstrators gathered outside the municipal buildings to express their outrage. Protesters held banners and chanted slogans condemning the government’s actions, accusing it of undermining democracy and disregarding the results of the local elections.
“This is a blatant attack on the people’s right to choose their leaders,” said a protester in Tunceli. “Our votes are being ignored, and our cities are being controlled from Ankara.”
Political leaders from the CHP and DEM joined the protests, condemning the appointments as illegal and authoritarian. “The will of the people has been overturned with unfounded allegations,” a CHP official declared during a rally in Ovacık.
Heavy-Handed Crackdown
The protests were met with a harsh response from security forces. Police and private security personnel used tear gas, water cannons, and plastic bullets to disperse the crowds, leading to chaotic scenes in both cities. Several demonstrators were injured, with witnesses reporting excessive force used against peaceful protesters.
One protester described the situation as an “occupation,” referring to the heavy security presence inside the municipal buildings. “This is no longer about protecting the public—this is about silencing opposition voices,” the individual added.
Broader Political Implications
The trustee appointments are the latest in a series of similar moves by the Erdoğan government. Since the 2019 elections, dozens of municipalities have seen their elected officials removed and replaced with government-appointed trustees, particularly in areas where the pro-Kurdish HDP or other opposition parties have strongholds.
Critics argue these actions signal a broader erosion of democratic norms in Turkey. Opposition leaders have called on the international community to condemn the government’s actions, while civil society groups have raised alarms over the violent suppression of protests.
“This government is dismantling local democracy step by step,” said a spokesperson for a Turkish human rights organization. “Replacing elected officials with appointed ones is a serious violation of the people’s will.”
What’s Next?
As protests continue in Tunceli and Ovacık, the opposition faces a critical challenge in resisting the government’s growing centralization of power. Leaders from CHP, DEM, and other parties are calling for sustained demonstrations and legal action to reverse the appointments.
For now, the trustee appointments in Tunceli and Ovacık have deepened the political divide in Turkey, with many questioning the future of its democratic institutions.
“If our votes no longer matter,” one protester in Tunceli said, “what kind of democracy is this?”
