How Turkey’s opposition is countering state pressure with Seda Demiralp

Prof. Dr. Seda Demiralp joined Turkey recap editor Diego Cupolo to discuss the state of Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) amid mounting corruption investigations – which many citizens view as politicized judicial pressure.Demiralp comments on the looming investigation into CHP Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş, a potential presidential contender as the opposition frontrunner, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu, remains in jail since March 2025.Also discussed is the leadership of CHP chair Özgür Özel, his pro-democracy rally in Brussels Sunday and what might be driving the ruling AKP-MHP bloc’s electoral strategy.Also referenced in this talk:Turkish Prosecutors Plan Misconduct Probe of Ankara Mayor (Bloomberg - Gift)CHP held its first overseas rally in Brussels: ‘We are taking note of those who remain silent about the coup in Turkey’ (BBC Türkçe)Undecided Voters, Anxious Choices: Between Mental Resilience and Fear of Being Tricked (Emotics Lab Research)Other ways to watch & listen:Our webcasts are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast players.Turkey recap is an independent, reader-supported newsletter that helps people make sense of the fast-paced Turkey news cycle. Contact us: [email protected] here on Substack (or on Patreon for discount options). Paid subscribers get full access to our recaps, reports, members-only chat and news tracking tools.We are an affiliate of the Global Forum for Media Development and aim to create balanced news that strengthens local media by supporting journalists in Turkey.Diego Cupolo, Editor-in-chiefEmily Rice Johnson, Deputy editorCeren Bayar, Parliament correspondentYıldız Yazıcıoğlu, Parliament correspondentGünsu Durak, Turkish language editorDemet Şöhret, Social media and content manager This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.turkeyrecap.com/subscribe