On the recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Turkey
B-10-2025-0119
<OptDel>on behalf of the S&D Group</OptDel> · Rapporteur: Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Evin Incir, Nikos Papandreou, Pina Picierno
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Parliament condemns Turkey's dismissal of elected mayors and their replacement with government-appointed trustees, calling it an attack on local democracy.¶ It urges Turkey to reinstate mayors unless convicted, respect voters' will, abolish the trustee system, and end pressure on opposition.¶¶¶ It also asks the EU to consider sanctions against Turkish officials who accept trustee roles.¶
Key points
- Condemns the Turkish Government's unlawful dismissal of democratically elected mayors of 10 municipalities and districts won by opposition parties, replacing them with trustees.¶
- Calls on Turkey to immediately reinstate dismissed mayors unless there is a conviction after due process or credible evidence of a serious crime.¶
- Urges Turkish authorities to respect voters' right to free and fair elections and, if a mayor is removed, allow municipal councils to choose a replacement democratically.¶
- Calls on Turkish authorities to abolish the trustee system, in line with Council of Europe and Venice Commission recommendations.¶
- Deplores continued targeting of opposition parties and members, citing cases against mayors Rıza Akpolat, Ekrem İmamoğlu, and Sofya Alagas.¶
- Calls on the EU's High Representative to consider imposing restrictive measures under the EU Human Rights sanction regime against Turkish officials who accept trustee appointments.¶