Istanbul University revokes Ekrem İmamoğlu's degree amid irregularities, delivering a blow to the opposition ahead of elections. İmamoğlu claims the decision was politically motivated.
Turkey: Turkey's political landscape is experiencing significant turmoil. The government of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and its agencies are increasingly creating difficulties for the opposition. In a major development, Istanbul University revoked Istanbul Mayor and potential presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu's 34-year-old graduation degree. Recent reports indicate that Turkish police have also arrested İmamoğlu.
Rising Inflation and Anti-Government Sentiment in Turkey
President Erdoğan is facing considerable anti-incumbency sentiment. Turkey's economy remains a key election issue. Inflation reached 85% in 2023, and the Turkish lira experienced a significant devaluation. Inflation is expected to remain around 39% in 2025. Amidst this economic climate, the main opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), has openly challenged the government.
Rationale Behind the Degree Revocation and Opposition Response
Istanbul University stated on Tuesday that 38 students were irregularly transferred to the English language program of the Management Faculty in 1990. The degrees of 28 of these students, including Ekrem İmamoğlu, have been declared invalid. This decision has dealt a significant blow to opposition parties, as İmamoğlu cannot run for president without a university degree.
İmamoğlu Denounces Decision as Politically Motivated
Ekrem İmamoğlu has denounced the university's decision as illegal and vowed to challenge it in court. He stated, "We will take this decision to court and fight it, but I do not expect a fair judgment from the judiciary." He also emphasized that this is not just his fight but a battle to protect the country and its democracy.
Political Pressure and Crackdown on Opposition Leaders
Istanbul University's action comes amidst intensified legal proceedings against opposition leaders, particularly İmamoğlu. Seda Demiralp, head of the International Relations Department at Işık University in Istanbul, described the decision as another sign of Turkey's democratic decline.
Support for İmamoğlu Mounts
İmamoğlu's lawyer, Mehmet Pahalvan, stated that there were no irregularities in his diploma and that the university's board of directors did not have the authority to revoke it. Opposition supporters have also bly criticized the decision on social media.
An Attempt to Clear the Path for Erdoğan Before the 2028 Elections?
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been in power for two decades. If he intends to run again in 2028, he would need to call elections earlier than scheduled. Experts believe that this decision to remove İmamoğlu from the electoral race could be part of this strategy.
