Reaction to İmamoğlu's detention grows across Turkey! What happens now? What are the possibilities in the process?

Following the terror investigation conducted into Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, the expected outcome did not occur, and no arrest warrant was issued. However, this does not mean that the possibility of appointing a trustee to the IMM has been completely eliminated. It only appears that this risk has weakened in the short term.

CAN A TRUSTEE BE APPOINTED?

The regulation added to Article 45 of the Municipal Law following the July 15 coup attempt allows the Ministry of Interior to make an appointment if a mayor is suspended from duty on charges of "aiding a terrorist organization." A similar process was previously implemented in HDP-run municipalities, where the mere opening of a terror investigation was considered sufficient for the appointment of a trustee. It is technically possible for the same method to be activated for the IMM.

WHAT PATH MIGHT THE GOVERNMENT FOLLOW?

Wait-and-See Strategy for Now:

Instead of directly appointing a trustee to İmamoğlu, they may choose to spread the process over time, waiting for political tensions to subside. In this scenario, the possibility of a trustee remains a long-term threat while the investigation continues.

Using It as a Political Bargaining Chip:

While targeting İmamoğlu, the government could pursue an indirect policy of balance with the opposition by sending a message to the CHP: "Our main issue was İmamoğlu; we put him on trial, but we are not appointing a trustee to the municipality." This could be a potential bargaining move.

Suspension of İmamoğlu from Duty:

If the Ministry of Interior chooses to suspend İmamoğlu from duty, the path to appointing a trustee will be opened. In this case, the process could be accelerated or postponed, taking political and social reactions into account.

Judicial Process and New Evidence:

Depending on the course of the investigation, the government could initiate a new legal process and take harsher steps against İmamoğlu. This could bring the trustee scenario back to the agenda in the long term.

News Source: 12punto