European Mayors Urge Action to Safeguard Local Democracy in Turkiye

Sofia and Athens mayors Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev and Athens Mayor Haris Doukas have published a joint article in Politico calling on European institutions and cities to support democracy and local self-government in Turkiye. The article follows a recent visit by the two mayors to Istanbul, where they showed support for the detained mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. Terziev and Doukas assert that neglecting the protection of local democracy in Turkiye poses a threat to its erosion at the broader level. They request a meeting with the European Commissioner for Enlargement to address the relationship between pre-accession funding and the rule of law in Turkiye, and to include the Imamoglu case on the European Council's agenda.

Key Takeaways:

• Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev and Athens Mayor Haris Doukas published a joint article in Politico, "Democracy behind bars: Europe must act for Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu," calling on European institutions to support democracy and local self-government in Turkiye.
• The article follows a recent visit by the two mayors to Istanbul, where they showed support for the detained mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.
• Terziev and Doukas stress that neglecting the protection of local democracy in Turkiye poses a threat to its erosion at the broader level.
• The authors report that numerous opposition mayors in Turkiye have been arrested on dubious charges, categorizing this as a direct threat to local democratic governance.
• The European Union must not remain silent, given Turkiye's status as both an EU candidate country and a strategic partner.
• The authors request a meeting with the European Commissioner for Enlargement to address the relationship between pre-accession funding and the rule of law in Turkiye, and to include the Imamoglu case on the European Council's agenda.
• Istanbul drives Turkiye's economy, and the municipality remains committed to serving its residents by improving public transport, supporting migrant integration, and promoting sustainable development.

Statistics:

• Turkiye is both an EU candidate country and a strategic partner for the European Union.
• Istanbul is the largest city in Turkiye, with a population of over 14.7 million people (World Bank, 2020).
• The Istanbul municipality has committed to improving public transport, supporting migrant integration, and promoting sustainable development despite ongoing pressure.

Sources:

• The Sofia Municipality press service
• Politco article "Democracy behind bars: Europe must act for Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu"
• World Bank, "Country Overview: Turkey" (2020)