We spoke with Dario Nardella, S&D Group Member in the European Parliament, about the situation in Türkiye, the case of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, and why defending democratically elected local leaders is essential to protecting democracy, the rule of law and Europe's fundamental values.
The latest court hearing saw Ekrem İmamoğlu removed from the courtroom while trying to defend himself, raising serious concerns about the right to a fair trial. Why should this matter to everyone who believes in democracy?
The right to a fair trial is not a privilege granted to a single defendant — it is one of the fundamental pillars of the rule of law. When a democratically elected political leader is prevented from fully exercising his right to defence, it is not only his freedom that is at stake, it is the credibility of justice itself that is called into question. Today it concerns Ekrem İmamoğlu. But tomorrow it could concern anyone. Democracy is not measured by its ability to protect those in power, but by its capacity to guarantee rights and safeguards to those in opposition, to those who dissent, to those who have the courage to challenge the system. Defending these principles means defending the universal values on which Europe and every free society are founded. And this matters even more when we consider that Türkiye remains an official candidate for accession to the European Union. We cannot apply double standards. Those who aspire to be part of our community of values must respect its fundamental rules.
Together with the PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions, you supported the nomination of Ekrem İmamoğlu for the Mayor Paweł Adamowicz Award. Why is it important to stand publicly with democratically elected local leaders facing political persecution?
The Paweł Adamowicz Award carries a powerful and deeply moving message: it honours a mayor who paid with his life for his commitment to democracy, dialogue and freedom. It is a reminder that defending democratic values is never without risk — and that those who do so deserve our solidarity and recognition. Supporting the nomination of Ekrem İmamoğlu is, first and foremost, an affirmation of a simple but fundamental principle: the will of the people must be respected. İmamoğlu was elected with a strong popular mandate by the citizens of Istanbul. When a democratically elected mayor is stripped of his ability to exercise his mandate through judicial or administrative proceedings that raise serious doubts about the respect of the rule of law, it is not only one individual who is harmed. It is the democratic will of millions of citizens that is being denied. Standing publicly alongside leaders like İmamoğlu is not a gesture of partisanship, it is a statement of principle. Progressive forces in Europe have a particular responsibility to speak out, because silence in the face of political persecution is itself a political choice. If we believe in democracy, we must be willing to defend it not only when it is convenient, but especially when it is not.
The message from the European Union must be unambiguous: those who defend democracy are not alone. Europe must speak with a clear and consistent voice, reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence, press freedom. This is not about interfering in Türkiye's sovereign choices. It is about upholding the values that underpin any genuine partnership with the European Union. You cannot claim to share our community of values while simultaneously imprisoning mayors, silencing journalists and undermining the independence of the judiciary. Progressive forces in Europe have a particular responsibility: to keep international attention focused on what is happening in Türkiye; to build networks of solidarity between local administrators, parliamentarians and civil society; and to call for full compliance with the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights. International solidarity alone cannot resolve these problems. But it can offer something invaluable to those on the front line: protection, visibility and hope.
A different Türkiye is possible and Europe must do everything in its power to support those who are working to make it a reality.
Image credit: © Dario Nardella