Turkish gov’t initiates probes against CHP’s Ankara, Istanbul municipalities

Duvar English

Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into reports about Republic Day concerts organized by the main opposition Republican People’s Party’s (CHP) Ankara Metropolitan Municipality.

The Chief Prosecutor's Office sent a request to the Interior Ministry’s Inspection Board referring to the Law on the Trial of Public Officials. According to the law, the prosecution of municipal officials requires permission from the administrative body to which they are bound, which is the Interior Ministry.

The prosecutor requested an investigation into the allegations, with instructions to report any identified criminal elements or suspects to the prosecutor's office.

It was alleged that the municipality paid 69 to 71 million Turkish liras for a single concert on Republic Day, Oct. 29. However, Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş stated that the amount in question covered the expenses for all Republic Day events held on Oct. 28-29.

After the news of the investigation began to circulate, Yavaş on Nov. 13 stated on social media that two inspectors from the ministry began their examination on Nov. 11. 

He stated, "This examination is still ongoing. There is no new development. No one surpasses us in accountability. We stand by our word; if anyone is at fault, they will face the consequences. We expect the same behavior from all public institutions and municipalities."

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality under probe

Following the news of the investigation in Ankara,  the daily Sözcü reported that a probe was also launched against Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality controlled by the CHP regarding events and concerts organized by the municipality since 2021.

Journalist Altan Sancar noted that inspectors also visited Istanbul Municipality on Nov. 11. He underscored that they were examining whether there were any irregularities, yet this was not an official investigation initiated by the prosecutors.

Sancar added, "I spoke with sources at the municipality regarding the inspectors, and they made a notable statement: 'You are a journalist, and of course, this has news value. However, for the municipality, this is a routine situation. These kinds of inspections are ordinary. The inspectors are here, they have their offices and desks. The municipality personnel are also assisting them to review any requested files.'"

State-run Anadolu Agency, on the other hand, reported that the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has initiated an ex officio investigation into allegations of irregular spending in some events organized by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, "leading to public harm."

The prosecutor's office launched the investigation in coordination with the Interior Ministry's inspectors to determine whether there was an irregular spending resulted in public harm or not.

The Turkish government has increased its pressure on opposition-led municipalities after its dramatic vote loss in 2024 local elections. It has appointed several trustees to municipalities controlled by the CHP and pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party.

On Nov. 13, Labor and Social Security Minister Vedat Işıkhan also announced that they would initiate foreclosure proceedings against municipalities with outstanding insurance debts, specifically targeting CHP-run municipalities.