Ekrem Imamoglu, a former businessman turned political leader, has risen to prominence in Turkey, garnering significant public support and becoming a rival to President Erdogan. His recent arrest on corruption and terrorism charges, coinciding with the annulment of his university degree, has been condemned by his party as a political coup. Despite challenges and criticisms, Imamoglu has successfully secured re-election as Istanbul’s mayor and is poised to run for president in 2028, representing diverse opposition groups.
Ekrem Imamoglu: The Rising Star of Turkish Politics
Once a successful businessman, Ekrem Imamoglu has emerged as a prominent political figure in Turkey, frequently ranking among the favorites of the Turkish populace. However, his ascent has drawn the ire of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. On March 19, Imamoglu was arrested at dawn, facing serious allegations of ‘corruption’ and ‘terrorism’. This arrest followed the annulment of his university degree just a day prior, a move that could jeopardize his candidacy for the presidential election due to constitutional restrictions. His political party vehemently condemned these actions, labeling them a ‘coup against our next president.’
A Journey from Business to Politics
Born in 1971 on the Black Sea coast, Imamoglu comes from a middle-class family with a merchant father involved in a right-wing political party. A practicing Muslim, he built a successful career in construction before transitioning into the political arena. His political journey began in 2013 when he was elected as the mayor of a district in Istanbul populated by fellow Black Sea region natives.
In 2019, he made a remarkable entrance into the broader political landscape by running for the mayor of Istanbul. Although his first election win was annulled by the ruling authorities, he triumphed in a re-vote, defeating Erdogan’s AKP after 25 years of dominance in the city. Since then, Imamoglu has positioned himself as a formidable challenger to Erdogan, focusing on pressing issues like the economic crisis and inflation.
In 2024, Imamoglu secured re-election as the mayor of Istanbul, despite significant efforts from the president to undermine him. This victory set the stage for him to be named the candidate for the Republican People’s Party (CHP) in the upcoming 2028 presidential elections. His popularity is seen as a significant threat to the current administration, as he resonates with various segments of the opposition electorate, including Turkish, Kurdish, Sunni, and Alevi communities, according to Berk Esen from Sabanci University.
Nevertheless, Imamoglu’s journey is not without its challenges. While he enjoys considerable support, some within his party criticize him for prioritizing his presidential ambitions over the needs of his constituents. Concerns have also emerged regarding his potential to centralize power, akin to Erdogan. His opponents argue that he invests more in public relations than in addressing Istanbul’s seismic risks, a claim that municipal figures contest.
Imamoglu has responded to these criticisms by asserting his dedication to his role, likening his work ethic to that of an ‘atomic ant’ and highlighting his initiatives to promote gender equality within the municipality. In late January, he openly denounced the government’s ongoing campaigns against him, stating, ‘We are suffering judicial harassment at the highest level, but we will not give up and will not abandon,’ during a rally outside an Istanbul court.