Turkiye rejects opposition's call for a shopping boycott day
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Turkiye's government condemned opposition-led calls for a shopping boycott after Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu's arrest, calling it economic sabotage.
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Supporters chant slogans while waving Turkish and CHP party flags during a rally protesting the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu in Istanbul, Turkiye, on Saturday, March 29, 2025. (AP)
Turkiye's government condemned opposition appeals for a widespread shopping boycott, which came after Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu's arrest triggered protests across the country, labeling the calls on Wednesday as an effort to "sabotage" the economy.
After Imamoglu was detained two weeks ago, the main opposition, the Republican People's Party (CHP), called for mass protests and a boycott of goods and services from companies with perceived ties to President Tayyip Erdogan's government.
That call widened on Wednesday to include a halt to all shopping for one day, prompting some shops to close in solidarity with those criticising the arrest as an anti-democratic attempt to hurt the opposition's electoral prospects.
Trade Minister Omer Bolat warned that calls for a boycott threaten economic stability and accused proponents of attempting to destabilize the government, stating in an interview with TRT that the opposition "are an attempt to sabotage the economy and include unfair trade and competition elements. We see this as a futile attempt by circles who consider themselves the masters of this country."
"I have a call for our citizens. If you have any shopping plans for today, tomorrow, the day after, or in the coming days, we strongly encourage you to make your purchases and conduct your business today," Bolat stated on TRT and other television channels later.
Several cabinet ministers and pro-government figures, including former Germany and Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Özil, rallied behind the hashtag #BoykotDegilMilliZarar ("Not a Boycott, but National Damage") to reinforce their opposition to the campaign.
On Tuesday, prosecutors launched an investigation into those advocating boycott calls on social and traditional media, as the Istanbul chief prosecutor's office stated it was probing calls that allegedly sought to prevent a segment of the public from engaging in economic activity, citing possible violations of laws against hate speech and inciting public hostility.
"The boycott is the right decision. It should have happened sooner. It's something we need to do, people need to show their reaction. If they (the government) continue this way, the country is getting worse," a shop owner told Reuters.
This development comes as Turkiye continues to intensify its crackdown on the protests, arresting thousands of protesters who shared in the nationwide demonstrations.
1,400+ arrested in Turkiye in protests supporting detained Istanbul mayor
Turkish authorities have arrested more than 1,400 people protesting Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu's arrest, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on March 25.
"From March 19 to Tuesday, 1,418 suspects were detained during illegal demonstrations. 478 of them will be brought to court today," Yerlikaya wrote on X.
As detentions continue, the European Commission called on the Republic to uphold democratic values and respect the right of its citizens to peaceful demonstrations, European Commission spokesman Guillaume Mercier said on Monday.
"As a Council of Europe member and EU candidate, Turkiye must uphold democratic values. These rights, the rights of elected officials, as well as the right of the peaceful demonstrations need to be fully respected," Mercier stated during a midday briefing.
