Following Turkey’s local elections on March 31, a wave of judicial operations initiated by the pro-Kurdish DEM Party and later expanded by the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) has led to sweeping actions across the country. These operations have now affected 25 municipalities, resulting in the arrest of 12 mayors and the disenfranchisement of approximately 17 million voters.
High-Profile Arrests Spark Political Tension
The crackdown reached a new peak on July 1, when authorities launched an operation against the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, culminating in the arrest of former CHP mayor Tunç Soyer on July 4. On the same day, a parallel corruption investigation was initiated in the CHP-led Manavgat Municipality in Antalya. That operation resulted in the detention of 34 individuals, including Mayor Niyazi Nefi Kara.
Other recent operations have unfolded in Adana, Adıyaman, Antalya, and Büyükçekmece (Istanbul), all of which are governed by the CHP.
Erdoğan Responds: “Be Patient and Wait”
The wave of investigations has been politically charged. Since a major operation began against the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality on March 19, CHP-controlled municipalities have been systematically targeted. In response, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has dismissed claims that the CHP is the leading political force, urging its members to “be patient and wait.”
However, critics argue that nearly 30% of Turkey’s electorate is now experiencing judicial interference in their electoral choices—a development raising serious concerns about democratic representation.
Numbers Paint a Stark Picture
As of now:
12 CHP mayors are imprisoned 4 mayors remain in detention 2 municipalities have been placed under trustee control Over 100 municipal employees have been arrested
One of the most significant concerns lies in the budget control of municipalities now under government-appointed trustees—particularly those formerly held by the DEM Party. These budgets are estimated to exceed 699 billion Turkish Lira (TL), though full financial transparency for many municipalities remains unavailable.
Broader Targeting of Opposition Leaders
The scope of the crackdown is not limited to sitting officials. Former mayors such as Tunç Soyer and Şükrü Genç are also facing judicial investigations, adding to concerns of a broader effort to suppress political opposition ahead of future national elections.
What’s Next?
The opposition is calling for transparency and due process, warning that continued interference in elected governance undermines democratic institutions. Meanwhile, the government maintains that these actions are lawful investigations into corruption and misconduct.
As tensions rise, the question remains: Is this a genuine fight against corruption—or a political purge in disguise?