Erdogan Arrests Rival Mayor İmamoğlu Amid Protests in Turkey

The recent arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has triggered widespread protests and highlighted Turkey's descent into authoritarianism. İmamoğlu, seen as a major rival to Erdoğan in the upcoming 2028 presidential elections, was detained amid a crackdown that also targeted his allies, raising fears of escalating state repression. Erdoğan's moves to consolidate power come on the heels of the Syrian crisis, which he is leveraging to assert Turkey's influence in the Middle East. Critics argue that Erdoğan's leadership has permanently altered Turkey's political landscape, with his regime suppressing dissent and manipulating electoral processes. Despite the growing unrest within Turkey, responses from European leaders have been notably subdued, reflecting a complex balance between security interests and democratic values. The situation poses significant questions about future governance in Turkey and its implications for regional stability.