The 'charisma battle' at the heart of the Turkish protests
Mar 24, 2025
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Alex Crawford, Sky's special correspondent in Istanbul, provides firsthand insights into the protests erupting after the arrest of popular opposition leader Ekrem Imamoglu, a 2028 presidential hopeful. Journalist Hannah Lucinda Smith, author of 'Erdogan Rising', examines the implications of Imamoglu's detention, suggesting it reflects President Erdogan’s tightening grip on power. Together, they discuss the intense unrest, the cultural clash between charisma and authority, and the broader struggle for democratic rights in Turkey.
Ekrem İmamoğlu's arrest has ignited widespread protests against President Erdogan, challenging his authoritarian grip on Turkey's political landscape.
The pivotal role of social media in facilitating protest mobilization underscores the ongoing struggle for democratic rights and freedom of expression in Turkey.
Deep dives
Political Turmoil in Turkey
Ekrem İmamoğlu's recent arrest amid accusations of corruption has sparked nationwide protests, marking a significant challenge to President Erdogan's authority. İmamoğlu, popular for his savvy use of social media, prompted thousands to take to the streets in response to what many consider a politically motivated detention. The unrest has resulted in violent clashes with police, leading to over a thousand arrests, including journalists, highlighting the tension between the government and dissenters. These protests are significant, representing the largest mobilization against Erdogan in over a decade, fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with his increasingly authoritarian rule.
Imamoglu vs. Erdogan: A Generational Shift
The dynamic between Ekrem İmamoğlu and President Erdogan illustrates a potential shift in Turkish politics, with Imamoglu emerging as a formidable opposition figure. Imamoglu's ascent began when he won the mayoralty of Istanbul in 2019, marking a political turning point as he became the first to effectively challenge Erdogan at the ballot box. His recent arrest coincided with his nomination as the opposition party's candidate for upcoming presidential elections, indicating the threat he poses to Erdogan's long-standing dominance. With Turkey in an economic crisis, many citizens appear to be rallying behind Imamoglu's vision for change, reflecting a growing desire for political alteration within the populace.
Social Media and Democratic Rights
The role of social media in mobilizing protests has been critical in the current unrest, as many protesters utilize online platforms to coordinate and express dissent against the government. Since İmamoğlu's arrest, reports indicate a slowdown in internet service and restrictions placed on opposition accounts, perceived as an attack on democratic rights and freedoms. This development reflects a broader pattern of governmental control over the narrative in Turkey, where Erdogan's administration seeks to maintain power amidst growing unrest. The protests not only symbolize a response to current political grievances but also underscore the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression and the defense of democracy in the country.
Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Turkey, following the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu – the main rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Opposition leader Mr Imamoglu is a popular politician and is a 2028 presidential nominee – but last Wednesday he was detained and later formally arrested for corruption, a move he believes is politically motivated.
On Sky News Daily, Liz Bates talks to Sky's special correspondent Alex Crawford who has been reporting from Istanbul and meeting with protesters. She also speaks to Hannah Lucinda Smith, the author of Erdogan Rising: The Battle For The Soul Of Turkey, about who Ekrem Imamoglu is and what his arrest tells us about the direction President Erdogan is taking the country.
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Podcast producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Paul Stanworth
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