Imamoglu calls on Erdogan from prison to hold early elections

Almost a year after his imprisonment, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu called on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to call early elections. In an interview with Reuters, he said that Erdogan is avoiding elections because he sees defeat looming. "He will run and he will lose. And Turkey will be the winner," he said.

Imamoglu, who has been in prison since March 2025 awaiting trial on corruption charges he denies, has become Erdogan's main rival. His Republican People's Party has been calling for early elections for months.

Presidential elections are scheduled for 2028, but if Erdogan wants to run for another term, they would have to be held earlier or constitutional term limits would have to be changed.

The imprisoned mayor claims that he is facing politically motivated charges aimed at preventing him from running. The prosecutor in his case is seeking a prison sentence of more than 2,000 years. The court also revoked his university degree, which is a prerequisite for presidential candidacy.

"Those in power, realizing they will lose, see their remedy in keeping me in prison on false charges and ordering the judiciary," he said. However, the government denies interfering with the judiciary.

Imamoglu confirmed that he remains confident in justice and will use all legal means at his disposal.

(reuters, max)