The recent arrests of mayors from Turkey's largest opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), are part of a broader trend following the earlier imprisonment of Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, in March 2025.

The detained mayors have denied the allegations against them, claiming that the investigations are politically motivated, a stance the government disputes.

In the previous week, former Izmir Mayor Tunc Soyer and 137 municipal employees were also detained over alleged public tender fraud.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has announced further actions against the CHP, citing alleged illegal activities within the party and labeling it as a 'tool of municipal looters.'

Critics are concerned that Erdoğan's actions signify a broader effort to undermine the CHP and suppress democratic processes, indicating a potential shift towards authoritarianism in Turkey.

Opposition leaders have condemned these arrests, asserting that they undermine the rule of law and the democratic process in Turkey.

Following the arrests, CHP Chairman Özgur Özel convened a meeting with senior party leaders to discuss the implications of the political bias in judicial actions against opposition members.

Prosecutors allege that the arrested mayors sought unfair financial benefits from business executives involved in municipal contracts, leading to their arrests based on evidence from a cooperating businessman.

These detentions are viewed as part of a broader crackdown on CHP-controlled municipalities, which has sparked increased public demonstrations against the government's actions.

The pro-Kurdish Democratic Regions Party (DEM) has also criticized the arrests, warning that such actions undermine democratic principles and deepen societal divisions.

Political scientist Professor Burak Çopur has warned that Erdoğan's tactics could lead to increased political instability and pose a security threat to Europe, reminiscent of the rise of authoritarianism seen in Russia.

The Turkish government has imposed restrictions on remaining opposition media outlets, further curtailing press freedom and intimidating journalists who criticize the regime.