İmamoğlu's March 31 message from Paris: 'Election results have revived hope for democracy'

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu attended a special session of the Party of European Socialists (PES) on the evening of his first day in Paris, alongside a group that included Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, Athens Mayor Haris Doukas, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, Sarajevo Mayor Benjamina Karic, and Tirana Mayor and B40 Balkan Cities Network President Erion Veliaj.

During the session, along with the participating mayors, PES European Union (EU) Commission presidential candidate Nicolas Schmit and French Socialist Party leader Raphaël Glucksmann each delivered speeches, sharing their views on Europe and its immediate surroundings.

CRITICISM OF THE FAR-RIGHT

Stating, "Considering that the EU parliamentary elections are approaching, two questions come to mind," İmamoğlu said the following in his speech at the session:

"First of all, why are progressive and social democratic parties losing seats in the European Parliament? Secondly, what will be the wider-scale effects of this trend? It must be emphasized that the rise of the populist right does not mean that this movement has achieved a victory.

As seen in the elections held in Turkey a short while ago, the public, seeking alternatives to the problems caused by the current system, has extended us a credit to use. This credit is one of the ways in which voting citizens express their dissatisfaction with the functioning of democracy. Therefore, it is essential for social democratic parties to identify as soon as possible which policy decisions have contributed to the increase in support for the populist and far-right."

"EUROPE MUST QUESTION ITS SINCERITY"

"Can Europe, which positions itself as the 'guardian of democratic ideals,' sincerely say that it defends these values consistently? The shifting of the migrant problem to other countries shows the opposite.

Europe's response to what is happening in Gaza is another prominent example. Should we not criticize and condemn the slaughter of tens of thousands of innocents, including women and children, with a louder voice? Perhaps we also need to do more to defend the innocent people suffering in Kyiv and Ukraine."

SEPARATION OF POWERS

"The erosion of the separation of powers is the greatest danger facing democracy. This problem can be solved through international partnerships and by acknowledging that we are in a state of strategic interdependence. While it is clearly evident that faith in democracy and democratic institutions has been shaken, this situation should be seen as a warning alarm to increase our resilience. Turkey has been experiencing this process for longer than Europe.

As always, the solution lies in listening to people; just as we did in Istanbul and achieved victory. The election results in Turkey have revived hope for democracy and mobilized millions of people, especially the youth. Now is the time to work together for a better future."

News Source: 12punto