Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) has vowed to continue its democracy vigil in İstanbul’s Esenyurt district, protesting the arrest of elected Mayor Ahmet Özer and his replacement by a government-appointed trustee.
Speaking after a Central Executive Board meeting held at the CHP Esenyurt District Headquarters, party leader Özgür Özel criticised the move, calling it a “blatant occupation”. He accused President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s administration of undermining democracy.
“This is not just a trustee appointment; this is an occupation. They entered with barriers, but we will not be silenced,” Özel said.
The vigil, which began after Özer’s detention, involves daily participation from CHP deputies, municipal council members, and local supporters. Özel pledged continued support, stating that party members from different provinces would join the protest every two days until Özer is reinstated.
CHP Group Deputy Chairman Gökan Günaydın announced the vigil will run until at least 1 December, with four MPs participating each day. “We are here to protect national sovereignty,” he said.
The trustee appointment follows government crackdowns on opposition-held municipalities, often citing allegations of misconduct. Critics argue the practice undermines local democracy and disregards voters’ choices.
Özel concluded by urging authorities to end the “occupation” and remove barriers around municipal buildings. “The shopkeepers and residents of Esenyurt have had enough,” he said.
