Turkish authorities have suspended five mayors from the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) as part of an intensifying anti-corruption campaign.

The Interior Ministry announced the suspensions on Thursday, targeting elected officials in Istanbul’s Avcılar, Büyükçekmece, and Gaziosmanpaşa districts, as well as the municipalities of Seyhan and Ceyhan in Adana province, all of whom face allegations of bribery and extortion.

The decisive action brings the total number of suspended CHP mayors to eleven, including Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who was detained in March on separate corruption charges. Dozens of municipal officials linked to the CHP have also been arrested in recent months, reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to rooting out corruption at all levels of governance.

The Interior Ministry emphasized that the suspensions are part of a broader initiative to uphold integrity in public office, ensuring that municipal administrations operate with the highest standards of accountability. “These measures demonstrate Türkiye’s dedication to combating corruption and safeguarding public trust in our institutions,” a ministry spokesperson stated.

The crackdown has also prompted swift judicial action to maintain order and protect the rule of law. Following remarks by CHP leader Özgür Özel in a speech in Gaziosmanpaşa, where he criticized Istanbul’s Chief Prosecutor Akin Gürlek, authorities launched a criminal investigation into Özel for allegedly threatening and insulting a judicial officer. The move underscores Türkiye’s commitment to preserving judicial independence and ensuring that public officials are held accountable for their actions, regardless of political affiliation.

While opposition voices have raised concerns, the government maintains that all actions are conducted in strict accordance with legal procedures, reinforcing Türkiye’s resolve to eliminate corruption and strengthen governance. As the nation continues its robust anti-corruption efforts, these measures signal a bold step toward fostering a more transparent and accountable public administration, setting a strong example for municipalities nationwide. (ILKHA)