Stand with democracy in Turkey!

The current developments in Turkey are unacceptable in a democratic society. The longstanding authoritarian derive of Erdoğan, in power already for more than two decades, seems to have taken an even more dramatic turn, after the arrest of his most likely electoral challenger, Istambul Mayor's Ekrem İmamoğlu, for the 2028 elections. Following his detention, the Turkish president has demonised the protestors, considering them 'evil' and linking them to terrorism, arresting more than 1100 people, including several journalists covering the protests, and blocking social media accounts covering the protest.

Turkey's population are fed up with a disastrous economic policy, growing inequalities, a deteriorating democracy, corruption and autocratic rules. Now they face the use of the judiciary to neutralize political opponents, and the open demonisation of other political parties, as Erdoğan's intent on undermining the Turkish republic continue.

We stand side by side with our comrades in the Turkish trade unions, and with the people in the streets and with those who have been arrested for standing up for democracy, for social justice and for freedom.

In solidarity,

The EESC Workers' Group