Turkey Faces Nationwide Boycott in Support of Imamoglu Amid Political Tensions
Young people and students across Turkey declared April 2, 2025, a day of mass economic boycott, vowing not to engage in any commercial transactions for the entire day.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – A significant segment of Turkish citizens has launched a nationwide boycott in support of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who was recently imprisoned. The boycott, which includes a suspension of shopping activities, has drawn sharp reactions from Turkish government officials, who accuse opposition groups of attempting an economic coup.
Following Imamoglu’s imprisonment, many university students in Turkey announced a boycott of academic activities in protest. Several students were detained for participating in demonstrations on campus.
Expanding beyond the universities, young people and students across Turkey declared April 2, 2025, a day of mass economic boycott, vowing not to engage in any commercial transactions for the entire day.
The move has rapidly gained traction, with opposition leaders voicing support and government officials condemning it as an attack on Turkey’s economic stability.
CHP Leader Calls Boycott a ‘Democratic Right’
Özgür Özel, leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), reaffirmed his support for the boycott movement, describing it as a "democratic right" and a legitimate form of protest.
However, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya strongly condemned the boycott, stating:
“This call for a boycott is an attempt to destabilize our economy and amounts to an economic coup against Turkey.”
Similarly, Turkish Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç warned that encouraging such boycotts is illegal, announcing that the Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office had launched an investigation into those promoting the movement.
Government Urges Citizens to Resist Boycott
Turkish Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat urged the public to continue shopping as usual and reject calls for an economic shutdown.
“Anyone who suffers economic losses due to the boycott can pursue legal action,” Bolat stated, urging citizens to shop on April 2 to counteract the movement.
Meanwhile, AKP spokesperson Ömer Çelik dismissed the boycott as a deliberate attack on Turkey, stating:
“The CHP is no longer just an opposition party—it has become a direct threat to Turkey’s stability. The protests orchestrated by Özgür Özel will ultimately harm their own supporters and mislead the public.”
MHP Leader Warns of ‘Serious Dangers’
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli also weighed in, warning that the CHP’s actions could push Turkey into an extremely dangerous phase.
“These boycott calls are unethical, destabilizing, and a threat to both social harmony and democracy,” he said.
With tensions escalating, the political and economic impact of the boycott remains uncertain, as both government forces and opposition groups stand their ground in an increasingly polarized Turkey.
