‘Not just a strategic partner: Europe needs a Turkey that upholds democracy, honors its commitments’

The arrest and detention of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, last month has forced the cancellation of an international conference of Olympics officials and sports leaders due to take place in the city. Protests in the aftermath of the arrest have brought hundreds of thousands of people onto the streets of Istanbul. The opposition CHP contends that the charges against Imamoglu are politically motivated and anti-democratic. Imamoglu is seen as the strongest likely rival of Erdogan in a future presidential contest. For in-depth analysis and a deeper perspective, FRANCE 24’s Erin Ogunkeye welcomes Ayşe Yürekli, EU Representative and Senior Policy Advisor.