Newsletters
Tensions are rising within Türkiye’s opposition over the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party)’s limited response to the recent arrest of Istanbul's former mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, on corruption charges.
According to sources within the Republican People’s Party (CHP), frustration is growing over DEM’s perceived inaction.
As of now, no representatives from the DEM Party have visited Imamoglu in detention, prompting criticism from CHP members who recall their party’s past support for DEM politicians facing similar government pressure.
“CHP stood with DEM mayors who were removed from office and replaced with government-appointed trustees, including Ahmet Turk,” one CHP source noted.
“Imamoglu personally visited Turk at the time. Now, in a similar situation, DEM’s response has been weak,” the source added.
CHP members also emphasized their consistent support for DEM figures, pointing out that party leader Ozgur Ozel and other senior CHP officials have visited jailed former Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) co-chair Selahattin Demirtas and repeatedly called for his release.
Additional frustration emerged over the weekend at the Socialist International Conference held in Istanbul.
While attendees held signs reading “Freedom for Imamoglu,” DEM Party Co-Chair Tulay Hatimogullari and Parliamentary Group Leader Sezai Temelli were seen without them.
When asked, Hatimogullari explained: “There was no placard placed on our seat, which is why we did not hold one.”
The CHP views DEM’s stance as insufficient, raising concerns about future cooperation between the two opposition parties amid growing political polarization.
1 min read
