According to a report published by the Institute for Community Studies, since the local elections of March 31, 2024, there has been a change of administration in 62 municipalities across Turkey.
The report stated that 15 mayors were arrested after the elections and trustees were appointed to 13 municipalities, two of which were metropolitan municipalities.
It was noteworthy that the mayors of Istanbul, Antalya and Adana metropolitan municipalities were also arrested. In addition, trustees were appointed to the metropolitan municipalities of Van and Mardin, and the mayor of Aydın Metropolitan Municipality switched to the AK Party.
The increasing uncertainty in local governments following the operations and dismissals has brought the debate on democracy in Turkey and the will of elected officials back to the agenda.
August 22, 2025
Cumhuriyet