Reclaiming the Turkish Republic: How the youth are saving the country's democracy

As the AK-Party-led government is tightening its grip on power, the arrest of İmamoğlu, a key opposition figure and Erdoğan’s primary rival, alongside the detention of over a thousand journalists and citizens, signals a dangerous crackdown. These actions raise serious concerns about the state of justice, political freedom, and societal plurality in a country that still claims to be a democracy.

İmamoğlu was expected to win the preliminary presidential candidate elections. Yet, just days before the vote, his university diploma was annulled, he was arrested, and he was sent to prison. Many, including myself, believe the court’s decision was based on "shaky evidence" at best, suggesting a strategy to remove him from the race rather than the result of a fair legal process.

Meanwhile, state-aligned media outlets have downplayed nationwide protests, while social media platforms such as X and Instagram have suspended numerous accounts sharing footage from the streets. When the media parrots the same lines over and over again while dissenting voices have been censored, one must conclude: the Turkish government is becoming more afraid of its own people.

Many protesters – especially young people – face dehumanisation through repeated public insults from the president and other officials. Erdoğan, recently, called protesters on the streets a "movement of violence" and "evil". This rhetoric has made political discussions within Turkish society deeply polarised. Those who disagree with the president are often branded as ‘traitors’ or ‘liars’ by his supporters. Expressing your opinion online can quickly lead to harassment – a key reason why I personally chose to leave the platform known as X.

Just last week Berkay Gezgin, a 22-year-old, was arrested at Saraçhane for chanting “Her şey çok güzel olacak” (“Everything is going to be great”) – the very slogan İmamoğlu used during his successful 2019 mayoral campaign. When even words of hope become punishable, it becomes clear: this is no longer just a political dispute. It is a full-blown assault on civil rights.

Yet, something has changed. Instead of people backing down and staying silent, the nation's resistance is persistent. Despite all the attempts of intimidation, the protest movement is growing. Demonstrations are gaining momentum, viewed by many as a final stand to protect the ideals of the Turkish Republic. Not just in Istanbul, but in cities such as Ankara, Antalya, Izmir, Rize, Bursa, Denizli, Malatya, and beyond. On March 23rd, approximately 15 million people, including around two million CHP members, cast their vote for İmamoğlu in an internal presidential candidate election. On March 29th, around 2 million people joined the demonstration in Istanbul's Maltepe.

This is not a protest that comes out of the blue. People – especially students – are mobilising from a deep, growing urgency to defend the Republic’s core values: democracy, justice and secularism. They are demanding an end to a repressive regime. This time, the opposition, particularly the CHP in cooperation with other political parties, is organizing more effectively. Their calls for boycotts against government-aligned businesses and media outlets have had an impact.

But the political unrest comes at a cost. The Turkish Lira has plunged to a historic low, reflecting not only the failure of Erdogan’s economic policies, but also the lack of confidence in the country's stability and capacity to overcome its difficulties. The economic crisis is hitting the youth, working-class families, and the elderly. People are not just taking to the streets just because of the mayor's arrest – they are protesting a future that feels increasingly out of reach. 

The actions of Erdogan’s government are not the actions of a regime that feels strong and safe; they are signs of desperation. To imprison your most prominent political rival, journalists and even your citizens is not a sign of confidence. It crosses every red line for a government that dares to call itself "𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜". 

And so, I dare to say: this government's actions are 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 and a profound 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐥 to the nation. What we are witnessing is not a democracy in crisis. 𝐈𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤. This is not just a domestic matter, it is a global concern, and 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞. The erosion to democratic rights threatens freedom everywhere.

As Europeans, we cannot afford to look away. The EU has long claimed to stand for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law — now is the time to prove it. This is not the moment for diplomatic silence or vague statements of "concern." It is time for clear and courageous action.

Here is what I believe we must do:

• Publicly condemn the unlawful imprisonment of İmamoğlu and the broader crackdown on protesters, opposition leaders, and journalists.

• Demand transparent legal processes: the EU must pressure Turkish authorities to provide verifiable, public evidence — with real, identified witnesses — in politically sensitive cases. Anonymous claims should never be enough to try ending a political career or denying a fair trial.

• Support Turkish civil society by funding independent media, legal defense teams, student and activist organizations, and democratic grassroots movements.

• Apply political and economic pressure, including reassessing cooperation agreements — including aspects of the migration deals — if democratic values continue to be violated.

• Provide protection and platforms to Turkish protesters, journalists, and all those who are punished for criticising the current government

• Mobilise citizens: Volt and other democratic movements should organise solidarity actions, amplify Turkish voices and campaigns, and keep Turkey's democratic struggle on the EU political agenda.

And as Mustafa Kemal Atatürk once mentioned in his Address to the Youth of Turkey:

“The country may be impoverished, ruined and exhausted. The youth of Turkey's future, even in such circumstances, it is your duty to save Turkish Independence and the Republic.”

Let us hope – and support – this generation will succeed in that mission.

Cemre Ercan, Volt Member

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