Ekrem İmamoğlu and Political Ban:

The Impact of the Politicization of Law on Economy and Society

In June 2019, at a time when the dollar stood at 5.80 TL, Ekrem İmamoğlu, re-elected in a repeated election, gained widespread appreciation for his sustainable projects against poverty and his policies for youth, women, and children.

Known for his honesty and determination, he stood out among broad segments of society.

Before the elections, those who had plunged the country into economic hardship, attempting to win votes by setting up makeshift stalls to sell tomatoes, cucumbers, spinach, potatoes, onions, eggplants, and peppers, failed to persuade the public and lost the elections.

After the March 31, 2019 elections, those who said, "Even if nothing happened, something happened," and canceled only one of the ballots in the same envelope faced the wrath of the people on June 23, 2019.

Despite being labeled a "lame duck," a mayor who won by an 800,000-vote margin was met with efforts to undermine his projects and weaken his position, ignoring the will of the people.

However, these attempts led to another confrontation with public outrage on March 31, 2024.

Those responsible for the current situation, where the dollar has reached 35 lira, and the deepening impoverishment of the people, are the same individuals behind these political maneuvers.

The discussions around a potential political ban imposed by the ruling power, not only threaten the political career of a mayor but also raise concerns about the fragility of Turkey’s legal system, democracy, and economy.

Economy and Law:

Two Inseparable Elements

Today, Turkey is experiencing one of the most challenging periods in its economic history. The rise of the dollar from 5 liras to 35 liras, the erosion of millions of people’s income in the face of inflation, and the depletion of state resources through mechanisms like the Currency Protected Deposit (KKM) system are clear indicators of an economic crisis. One of the main causes of this economic collapse is the politicization of the judiciary.

There is a direct connection between a failing economy and law.

The loss of trust in the government and the use of the judiciary for political gain not only erodes trust in the legal system but also scares off potential investors, both domestic and foreign.

Investors and the general public alike cannot find economic or social security in a country where the rule of law is compromised.

This, in turn, accelerates economic collapse.

Part of the economic challenges Turkey faces today stems from the erosion of trust in the independence of the judiciary.

WHO CAN BE DISCUSSED FOR A POLITICAL BAN?

A political ban is not just a punishment applied to an individual; it is an important and sensitive mechanism that responds to society’s demands for justice and democracy.

So, who can this ban be discussed for, and for whom can it be debated?

• Those Responsible for Economic Failure: Those who impoverish the people through poor economic policies and cause the devaluation of the Turkish lira are responsible not only for economic but also political failure.

• Those Who Exploit the Judiciary: Those who use the judiciary for their own interests and undermine trust in the justice system are endangering democracy.

• Those Who Harm the Principles of the Republic: Those who attack the fundamental values of the Republic are not only threatening the present but also jeopardizing our future.

• Those Who Undermine the Education System: Approaches that distance the youth from contemporary education, science, and critical thinking are damaging the future of the country.

• Those Who Exploit Religious Values for Political Gain: Those who manipulate societal religious sensitivities for their own interests are damaging social peace and religious freedom.

The debate around a political ban for those who harm the values of the Republic, justice, and social peace is an inevitable necessity in a democratic society.

A political ban may be a response to the demands for justice and democracy; however, the democratic nature of this measure depends on the criteria by which it is applied and to whom it is directed.

In this context, while addressing the issue of a political ban, it should not be forgotten that laws should serve not personal or political vendettas but the common interests of society.

When viewed in this way, a political ban can be considered a tool aligned with demands for justice and democracy.

The Politicization of Law

The legal process involving Ekrem İmamoğlu is a striking example of how law can be exploited for political purposes.

The legal proceedings surrounding İmamoğlu’s use of the word "fool" reveal a broader picture of the intertwining of law and politics.

The political calculations behind such processes, regardless of whom the word was aimed at or in what context it was used, raise much deeper concerns.

The failure of law to operate independently erodes the sense of justice across all segments of society.

The decline in public confidence in the judiciary in Turkey not only undermines trust in politicians but also weakens the public's faith in the democratic system.

This atmosphere of distrust places serious pressure on the economy. In a country where the rule of law is weak, investors are hesitant to take risks, market stability is disrupted, unemployment rises, and living standards plummet.

Loss of Support for the Government and the Economy

One of the main reasons for the current ruling party’s loss of support in Turkey is the failure of its economic policies. The deepening economic crisis and the financial struggles faced by millions have increased public dissatisfaction with the government.

The primary cause behind this economic collapse is the lack of trust in the judiciary. Had the legal system operated fairly, transparently, and impartially, it could have prevented the economy from taking such a severe hit.

However, the current government seems more focused on exerting political control than on rebuilding trust in the judiciary. Efforts to impose political bans on opposition leaders like İmamoğlu are seen as part of these initiatives. However, such actions are more likely to accelerate the ruling party’s loss of support than to halt it.

The Rise of Ekrem İmamoğlu

Ekrem İmamoğlu, in the 2019 local elections, was re-elected with a significant margin of 800,000 votes after the same envelope containing four ballots was controversially invalidated, leading to a repeat election.

This victory reflected the reaction of a broad segment of the population who wanted to stand up against injustice and protect democracy.

In the eyes of Istanbul’s people, İmamoğlu became not just a mayor but a symbol of leadership.

The attempts to impose a political ban on him only served to elevate his status in the eyes of the public. People responded to the manipulation of the judiciary for political purposes by increasing their support for İmamoğlu.

Those who manipulated the judiciary and engaged in attempts to undermine justice saw their efforts backfire in the long term.

Those who sought to block İmamoğlu’s service to Istanbul and belittled him as a "lame duck" had to face public backlash in the 2024 local elections.

Ekrem İmamoğlu, through his policies and services, ensured that he was re-elected as Istanbul's mayor for the third time, with a historic margin of 1 million votes.

This success was the result of İmamoğlu’s tireless efforts over the past four years.

In Conclusion

The discussions surrounding a potential political ban on Ekrem İmamoğlu are not just about the future of a single politician but are closely tied to the future of Turkey.

The politicization of law accelerates economic collapse. The independence of the judiciary is essential for maintaining a sense of justice in society and ensuring economic stability.

İmamoğlu’s rise in the eyes of the public emphasizes the importance of law operating fairly and impartially.

Ultimately, those who exploit the law for personal gain not only damage the country's democratic values but also jeopardize its economic future.

As a result of these manipulative legal actions, while the dollar stood at 5.80 lira when İmamoğlu was first elected mayor of Istanbul, today, as a result of the politicization of law, the dollar has risen to 35 lira.

It is clear that the unlawful and manipulative legal process against İmamoğlu will only further deepen the economic crisis.

Therefore, it is essential for everyone to recognize this situation, stand up for democracy, and support İmamoğlu.

The people’s voice proves that they have not lost their faith in justice and democracy and that such political maneuvers will ultimately backfire.

26.09.2024
Sevim DALGIÇ GÜL