Resul Emrah Şahan greets Socialist International from Silivri: 'We are the antidote to authoritarianism'

Şişli Mayor Resul Emrah Şahan sent a letter from Silivri Prison to the Socialist International, describing the approach to social democratic municipal governance in Turkey and the pressures they face. The letter, which was read at the Socialist International Council Meeting hosted by Spanish Prime Minister and Socialist International President Pedro Sánchez, resonated with the international community.

The letter was announced to the public by Lal Denizli, Vice President for Foreign Relations of the Social Democratic Municipalities Association (SODEM) and Mayor of Çeşme. In his letter, Şahan stated that populist local governments are being targeted by the ruling power and called for global social democratic solidarity.

'POPULIST AND AUTHORITARIAN REGIMES ARE TRYING TO OBSTRUCT US'

In his letter, Şahan recalled that he was unlawfully detained in an operation conducted simultaneously with Ekrem İmamoğlu on March 19, 2025, and that a trustee was subsequently appointed to the Şişli Municipality. Şahan stated, "A right-wing, populist, authoritarian regime sees a public-oriented, egalitarian, and social-justice-focused political culture as a risk to its own existence and is trying to obstruct it."

EMPHASIS ON SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC MUNICIPALISM IN ŞİŞLİ

Şahan emphasized that they have adopted a social municipalism approach from the moment he took office in Şişli. He noted that they aimed to reduce discrimination and inequality through practices such as the "Mekik Plus" night transportation project for women, school food and health programs for children, market shopping support for retirees, and social assistance for low-income households. He said, "We initiated a political transformation to make housing, cultural and artistic activities, and urban space parts of an urban life where everyone can live in prosperity."

'THE RESISTANCE OF OUR PEOPLE INSPIRES US'

Şahan expressed that the resistance shown by the public following his arrest was his greatest source of motivation. Stating that "the support our citizens have given us by exercising their democratic rights should be an inspiration to all social democrats of the world," Şahan also called on the international community for solidarity:

"We are the antidote to authoritarianism, oppression, and socioeconomic inequality. The Turkish people's belief in democracy should guide us all."

Speaking from Silivri Prison as the elected mayor of Şişli, Şahan emphasized that social democratic values and populist politics are the key to solutions against global crises.