Resolution on the recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ECR, Renew, Greens/EFA and the Left groups.

Parliament condemned the arbitrary dismissal and imprisonment of elected mayors in Türkiye, particularly from the pro-Kurdish DEM Party and the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), and their replacement with unelected government trustees. This practice, enabled by legal amendments introduced through an emergency decree in 2016, undermines democratic principles and disproportionately affects Kurdish-majority areas.

The resolution called for the immediate release, acquittal and reinstatement of dismissed mayors unless credible evidence of wrongdoing is presented. It urged Türkiye to implement judicial reforms, abolish the trustee system, and comply with ECtHR rulings.

Parliament highlighted concerns over democracy and the rule of law, recalling that EU financial assistance is conditional on these principles. It also urged the EU to closely monitor the situation and consider imposing restrictive measures under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime against those responsible.