In a short time, a protest movement has emerged that have collected large crowds around Turkey.
They protest that the popular mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested the days before he was expected to challenge Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey’s next presidential election.
The opposition refuses to fold and is still expected to appoint Imamoglu as presidential candidate. Maybe it will be a presidential campaign from the prison cell.
The only one that could challenge
Erdogan calls the protesters street terrorists and does not show any signs of folding.
During the 23 years that Erdogan ruled Turkey, he has placed great importance on gaining power through elections that have been free, albeit not justice.
But it can change as a result of the arrest of Imamoglu. During his years as mayor, he has grown a voter base that makes him the only politician who could compete with Erdogan. If he got the chance.
Growing demonstrations increases the pressure
Much indicates that Erdogan can escape internationally by pulling away the carpet on the opposition. The Trump administration is unwilling to bump into Ankara about what they call “internal affairs” and Europe is in need of cooperation with Turkey on security and migration.
The market, on the other hand, does not have the same indulgence and looks to punish Turkey hard. The Istanbul Stock Exchange has fallen sharply and Turkey’s central bank has spent record amounts to defend the Turkish lira from falling in value.
As demonstrations continue and grow in strength, the pressure also increases with more arrests by protesters and those who dare to raise voice in social media.