EU: Turkey’s Court Move Against Opposition Threatens Democracy
A Turkish court in Ankara invalidated the congresses of the Republican People's Party (CHP), Turkey's largest opposition party, on May 21, effectively removing the party's leadership from power. The European Commission responded sharply, saying the ruling raises serious questions about rule of law, democratic pluralism, and judicial independence in Turkey.
The Commission's spokesperson said the decision adds to what Brussels described as a pattern of "prosecutions, arrests, dismissals, and criminal proceedings against elected officials and opposition politicians." The spokesperson made a specific point of referencing the ongoing detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who has been held without release for months.
"Legal and administrative proceedings must never be used to intimidate opposition parties or prevent them from participating in the political process on equal terms with ruling parties." — EU Commission spokesperson
In a formal statement, the Commission reminded Turkey that as an EU candidate country and long-standing member of the Council of Europe, it is expected to uphold the highest democratic standards. "Democracy, the rule of law, and respect for fundamental rights are central elements of the EU accession process," the statement read.
Brussels was direct about what it considers unacceptable. A Commission spokesperson told reporters that "legal and administrative proceedings must never be used to intimidate opposition parties or prevent them from participating in the political process on equal terms with ruling parties." The spokesperson added that "the Turkish people deserve to enjoy the benefits of a vibrant and competitive democracy where the voices of citizens are heard."
When asked whether Commission President Ursula von der Leyen planned to raise the issue in a possible future call with President Erdogan, the spokesperson repeated that Ankara must comply with European democratic principles and the obligations that come with its EU candidacy.
