Politics
⚖️ Court Rejects CHP’s Appeal Against Temporary Board in Istanbul
Istanbul’s 45th Civil Court of First Instance has rejected CHP’s objection to the appointment of a temporary board to replace its provincial leadership. The court argued that the 2023 provincial congress elections contained irregularities affecting delegate will, supported by financial and registry documents. CHP had argued that only election boards can review congress results and that the ruling violated party autonomy and the Constitution. The court, however, maintained that the precautionary measure was necessary to ensure future elections are conducted under democratic and impartial principles, leaving CHP the option to appeal through higher courts.
🤝 Erdoğan Meets Party Leaders at Parliament Reception
Following the opening of the new legislative year, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held an informal meeting with political party leaders during a reception at the Turkish Grand National Assembly. The gathering began with MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli and Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş, later joined by leaders of HÜDA PAR, Yeniden Refah, DEVA, Gelecek, DEM, Saadet, and BBP. Party representatives described the talks as brief but constructive, with DEM Party stressing the need for the parliamentary commission’s work to quickly advance into legislative action, while other leaders characterized the meeting as cordial and symbolic of political dialogue.
⚖️🔔 Minister Tunç: “Recommendations to be Prepared — Legislative Steps Will Follow”
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç told attendees at the parliamentary opening reception for the 28th Legislature that the “A Turkey Without Terror” commission formed in the Grand National Assembly has built a significant body of work after hearing voices across society, and that recommendations and reports will be prepared which may require legislative action. He stressed the need for the process to become permanent and uninterrupted, warned that those who wish to derail the process or see renewed unrest will not be allowed to succeed, and said measures will be taken to prevent weapons from being re-armed. Tunç also noted that visits from DEM Party representatives have occurred and continue as permitted, but that the commission’s future decisions will be decisive.
🛑💰 Turkey Freezes Assets Linked to Iran — 18 Institutions & 20 Individuals Sanctioned
Turkey has frozen the assets of 18 organizations and 20 individuals, including the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and several Iranian banks and companies, in line with a United Nations Security Council resolution. The decision, signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and published in the Official Gazette, came into effect on October 1, 2025. Those targeted include senior Iranian nuclear officials and entities tied to nuclear research, shipping, banking, and energy. The move reflects Ankara’s compliance with international sanctions enforcement, extending restrictions on individuals and companies accused of links to Iran’s nuclear activities.
🏛️ Seven More Mayors Set to Join AKP Today
According to reports in pro-government media, seven additional district and town mayors are expected to switch parties and formally join the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) during today’s Expanded Provincial Heads Meeting at the party headquarters. Following the March 31, 2024 local elections, AKP initially secured 542 municipalities nationwide, a figure that has since risen to 601 through post-election transfers. With the latest defections, AKP’s control is projected to expand to 608 municipalities. Party officials describe the trend as a response to President Erdoğan’s call that “our doors are open to everyone,” though the wave of mayoral transfers has stirred political debate.
⚖️🚫 Prosecutor Appeals Ayşe Barım’s Release Decision
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has appealed the release of Ayşe Barım, a music manager on trial in the Gezi Park case for allegedly “aiding an attempt to overthrow the government.” Barım, who had been in pretrial detention for 248 days, was ordered released yesterday under judicial control, including house arrest and a travel ban. While the court ruled that continued detention would be disproportionate, prosecutors argued that the charges fall under serious offenses requiring custody. The next hearing in Barım’s trial is scheduled for February 11, 2026.
🚗🛑 Istanbul Traffic Gridlocks at 83% Congestion
Evening rush hour combined with school dismissals has brought Istanbul traffic to a near standstill, with citywide congestion reaching 83% according to municipal data. Major arteries, including the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, the Eurasia Tunnel, and their connecting roads, are heavily clogged. On both the European and Asian sides, long backups stretch across the D-100 highway, TEM Motorway, and key junctions such as Mecidiyeköy, Zincirlikuyu, Altunizade, and Ataşehir. Public transit systems have also become overcrowded as commuters turned to buses, metros, and metrobuses to avoid gridlock. Traffic density rose to 85% on the European side and 80% on the Asian side, making travel across the city severely delayed.
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