Statement from the Executive Committee of the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye: Intervention in the Will of the People Is Unacceptable
The Executive Committee of the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye (TBB) has expressed its reaction to the recent operations targeting several mayors, including TBB Vice President and Mayor of Adana Mr. Zeydan Karalar and Executive Committee Member and Mayor of Adıyaman Mr. Abdurrahman Tutdere.
In the statement, it was emphasized that these operations damage democracy, social peace, economic confidence, and the international standing of Türkiye, stating:
“We call on the public to remain vigilant against these unlawful and unjust actions, and to always stand together in defense of democratic values and the rule of law.”
Below is the full statement from the Executive Committee of the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye:
PUBLIC STATEMENT FROM THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE UNION OF MUNICIPALITIES OF TÜRKİYE
ON INTERVENTIONS AGAINST THE NATIONAL WILL
Since the local elections held on March 31, 2024, various legal and administrative interventions targeting the will of the people as expressed at the ballot box have been increasingly systematic, particularly toward opposition municipalities, and most notably those governed by the Republican People’s Party (CHP).
The process, which began with the detention of our Union President and Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mr. Ekrem İmamoğlu on March 19, 2025, is still ongoing.
In recent days, the detention and arrest of elected mayors and numerous municipal personnel have reached a deeply concerning level.
The detentions of our Vice President Mr. Zeydan Karalar (Mayor of Adana), our Executive Committee Member Mr. Abdurrahman Tutdere (Mayor of Adıyaman), Mr. Muhittin Böcek (Mayor of Antalya), and Mr. Ahmet Şahin (Deputy Mayor of Büyükçekmece) have become serious causes for concern in terms of the state of democracy and the rule of law in our country.
The detention of Mr. Niyazi Nefi Kara (Mayor of Manavgat) just the day before, and the arrest of Mr. Tunç Soyer (Former Mayor of İzmir), clearly show that these developments are not isolated incidents but rather systematic in nature.
At this point, a serious public perception has emerged that elected will is being deliberately undermined through unlawful means.
This situation not only harms democracy, but also threatens social peace, economic stability, and the international reputation of our country.
It is evident that the right to vote and to be elected is a constitutional right, and any interference with the will of the people is incompatible with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law and is wholly unacceptable.
As the Executive Committee of the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye, we strongly believe in the rule of law, the protection of democratic election outcomes and the will of the people under all circumstances, the preservation of constitutional order, and an unwavering commitment to universal legal norms.
In this context, we call on the public to remain vigilant against these unlawful and unjust actions, and to always stand united in defense of democratic values and the rule of law.
Sovereignty unconditionally belongs to the nation!