Jelena Drenjanin, Chair of the Working Group on Turkey in the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), expressed grave concern over recent developments in Türkiye, particularly the arrests of opposition mayors. "As Chair of the Working Group on Turkey in the European Committee of the Regions, we are deeply concerned about the recent arrests of Turkish mayors. This spring, we adopted a plenary resolution condemning these events. We will continue our work within the CoR—especially in the Working Group on Turkey—to monitor these developments, as they have a serious impact on democracy. We are witnessing democratic backsliding globally, and it is essential to both monitor and condemn actions that violate democratic norms." These remarks were made in the context of recent events in Türkiye, where numerous opposition mayors have been arrested under politically motivated charges.
The EPP-CoR Group strongly condemns the unacceptable crackdown on democracy in Türkiye. The arrest of elected opposition leaders and continued pressure on local governments represent a clear provocation and a severe violation of the will of the people. The use of the judiciary as a political weapon undermines the rule of law and must cease immediately.
Local democracy is not a threat—it is the foundation of legitimate governance. Europe stands firmly with the citizens of Türkiye in defending their democratic rights and freedoms.
Earlier this year, the European Committee of the Regions adopted a strongly worded resolution condemning the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and over one hundred Turkish local officials, along with the broader campaign of repression targeting opposition mayors. This resolution, led by the EPP Group in the CoR, garnered cross-party support, reflecting a united commitment to democratic values across political lines.
The CoR resolution:
- Strongly condemns the arrests of opposition mayors as a breach of democratic rules and the electorate's will;
- Calls for the immediate release of Mayors;
- Urges Turkish authorities to end politically motivated prosecutions and pressure on local governance;
- Calls on the European Commission and the Council to reconsider Türkiye’s EU accession process and participation in EU programs, citing a serious backsliding on fundamental rights and democratic standards.
This resolution underscores the CoR’s unwavering commitment to defending democratic institutions, political freedoms, and local self-government—both within the European Union and beyond its borders.