22.03.2025 09:41
The detention of Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has caused a significant reaction within the opposition, while some figures within the AK Party are reportedly concerned about the ongoing situation, with these concerns particularly related to "economic worries."
Comments regarding the detention of Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu within the ranks of the AK Party are shaped around the statements of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
President Erdoğan claimed on March 20 that the CHP could not respond to the corruption allegations against İmamoğlu. Erdoğan stated, "The diploma was obtained through hard work; they cannot say there is no corruption in the municipality. They are trying to deceive the people by confining the issue to slogans." AK Party officials also argue that the government has no involvement in this investigation, asserting that certain information and documents reached the prosecutor's office as a result of internal conflicts within the CHP.
DOMINANT VIEW WITHIN THE AK PARTY: THE JUDICIARY IS DOING ITS JOB
The prevailing view within the ruling party can be summarized as follows: The judiciary is doing its job. This investigation is being linked to the president and our government to cover up the irregularities and corruption. Özgür Özel cannot say, "I stand by my mayor; I will resign if a single act of corruption or irregularity is found."
Until proven innocent, a person has the presumption of innocence. They should wait for the outcome of an investigation. If there is nothing, he will be released and return to his duties. The CHP members know better than us what is what; the information and documents came from them.
There has been irregularity and unfair transition in İmamoğlu's diploma. Let's say the murderer of a person who was killed 30 years ago is found. Are we going to ignore this as "statute of limitations" and allow him to roam freely?
"İMAMOĞLU WAS BEHIND THE TÜSİAD STATEMENT"
Some AK Party officials speaking to Ayşe Sayın from BBC Turkish believe that İmamoğlu is managing a "large organization." They even claim that the influence of İmamoğlu is behind the statements made by TÜSİAD executives that include criticism of the government regarding democratization and the system. Those who support this view say that TÜSİAD made this statement to prevent an upcoming operation against İmamoğlu.
THEY ARE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE COMPARISON TO ERDOĞAN
Officials from the ruling party are also uncomfortable with the comparison of İmamoğlu's political career and the investigation opened against him to the process in which President Erdoğan was imprisoned for "reading a poem."
These individuals emphasize that there are accusations against İmamoğlu for "aiding terrorism" and "corruption," while Erdoğan was punished for his political discourse. They argue that the accusations against İmamoğlu are political.
President Erdoğan was imprisoned for four months and ten days in 1997 due to a poem he read.
SOME AK PARTY MEMBERS ARE CONCERNED
Some experienced politicians within the AK Party are particularly concerned about these developments. There are worries that these operations will create a perception among the public that İmamoğlu and the CHP are being "victimized," and that the negative impact on the economy will be blamed on the government by the public.
These individuals, who are not in influential positions within the party, comment that it is contradictory to accuse İmamoğlu of aiding terrorism due to "urban reconciliation" while negotiations are being conducted with Abdullah Öcalan regarding the PKK's disarmament. They point out that there will be difficulties in explaining this situation to the public.
Some politicians argue that Turkey faces many external threat risks due to its geographical location and warn:
"For this reason, the president called for 'strengthening the home front.' How will you strengthen the home front by confronting the main opposition in this way? If the accusations against İmamoğlu are not substantiated, we as a party will be in a very difficult situation."
Some individuals who state that appointing a trustee to the CHP would be wrong comment, "This would be complete chaos."