Turkey’s Political Landscape Shifts as Erdogan Faces Growing Scrutiny

ISTANBUL, June 21, 2025 – Turkey’s political environment is undergoing significant upheaval as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan comes under mounting domestic and international scrutiny. The arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a leading opposition figure and potential presidential candidate for 2028, has intensified accusations of political repression and triggered widespread protests across the country.

Imamoglu, who twice defeated Erdogan’s party in Istanbul’s mayoral races, was detained in March 2025 on charges of corruption and alleged ties to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), charges widely seen by critics as politically motivated. His arrest, along with the detention of dozens of other opposition politicians and journalists, has been condemned as an authoritarian crackdown designed to sideline Erdogan’s most formidable rival ahead of the next presidential election. The timing of Imamoglu’s arrest—just days before he was to be confirmed as the opposition’s presidential candidate—has fueled suspicions of political interference and deepened polarization in Turkish society.

The government’s actions have sparked mass demonstrations in Istanbul and other major cities, despite bans on public gatherings. International observers and human rights organizations have sharply criticized Turkey’s shrinking space for dissent, the erosion of judicial independence, and the continued imprisonment of journalists and political figures. During a recent United Nations Human Rights Council review, multiple countries called on Turkey to uphold the rule of law and protect freedom of expression.

Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has also faced internal dissent. Notably, a prominent party official resigned in protest over the government’s intensifying crackdown on opposition-led municipalities, particularly in Istanbul. The opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) alleges that the judiciary is being used to punish electoral losses and weaken their control in key cities.

Economically, Erdogan’s administration is grappling with recession, soaring inflation, and widespread public discontent. The government’s energy policies, including a stalled initiative to turn Turkey into a regional energy hub, have further fueled debates about Erdogan’s leadership and economic management. The opposition has capitalized on these weaknesses, calling for boycotts of pro-government companies and accusing Erdogan of mishandling the economy.

On the foreign policy front, Erdogan’s handling of regional conflicts—such as Turkey’s involvement in Syria and its complex relations with Russia—has drawn criticism for perceived inconsistencies, particularly regarding the country’s stance on issues like Palestine. Diplomatic ties remain strained, but there is renewed speculation about Turkey’s potential re-engagement with the European Union amid ongoing domestic unrest and international pressure.

Despite Erdogan’s public denials of seeking another presidential term, speculation about his political ambitions persists, especially as constitutional reforms and early election scenarios are debated. The coming months are likely to be pivotal, as Turkey’s leadership navigates economic hardship, political dissent, and the uncertain fate of its most prominent opposition voices.