Following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, opposition parties across Turkey have launched widespread protests and called for a boycott of products from government-affiliated companies. On Wednesday, the movement gained momentum, with activists urging a one-day shopping strike. Some stores shut down in solidarity, condemning the arrest as politically motivated.
Turkey’s Minister of Trade, Ömer Bolat, denounced the boycott, calling it an attempt to harm the economy and a violation of fair trade principles. Pro-government voices, including football star Mesut Özil, have pushed back against the movement, using the hashtag “No Boycott, National Damage” to voice their opposition. However, Turkey’s President remains confident that the boycott will not succeed.