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The arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu on corruption charges has sparked nightly protests in Saraçhane Square, where thousands demand his release. His wife, Dilek İmamoğlu, has become the heart of the movement, delivering fiery speeches against President Erdoğan and rallying support for democracy. Her leadership has cast her as a potential figurehead in Turkey’s fight against authoritarianism.
Serious clashes erupted outside the Agios Dimitrios Steam Power Plant in Kozani during Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ visit, as protesters attempted to breach a police cordon. The unrest, met with tear gas from riot police, involved PPC unions, local workers’ groups, and citizens opposing the prime minister’s presence at a company event unveiling a new investment plan.
Turkish authorities arrested and deported BBC correspondent Mark Lowen from Istanbul on March 26, 2025, after detaining him for 17 hours. Lowen was covering the nationwide protests sparked by the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu, Istanbul’s former mayor and a key rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The move, justified by ‘public order’ concerns, has drawn sharp criticism from the BBC and reignited fears over press freedom in Turkey as thousands rally against what they call a politically motivated crackdown.
Özgür Özel, leader of Turkey’s Republican People’s Party, has accused the finance minister and the Financial Crimes Investigation Board of fabricating evidence to justify the arrest of Istanbul’s Mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu. The arrest, criticized as politically motivated, has triggered major protests and raised concerns over the government’s use of legal tools to target political opponents. Critics warn this jeopardizes the rule of law and democratic integrity in Turkey.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio pressed Turkey’s Hakan Fidan on recent arrests and protest crackdowns, while pushing for stronger trade ties. ‘Trade doesn’t excuse democratic lapses,’ Rubio signaled.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed that “the European Union cannot exist without Turkey,” highlighting Turkey’s critical role in security and beyond, while accusing the opposition of inciting violence amid protests over the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. He also expressed optimism about a $100 billion trade target with the US following a conversation with President Donald Trump.
On March 23, 2025, Turkey arrested Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key rival to President Erdogan, on corruption charges widely viewed as a political tactic to sideline him before the 2028 presidential race. The move, following a raid on his home, sparked massive protests and drew condemnation from the Council of Europe, amplifying fears over Turkey’s democratic decline. Despite legal challenges and a revoked diploma, Imamoglu’s CHP party rallies behind him as Erdogan’s grip tightens.
On Saturday, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu will face a prosecutor and judge, igniting outrage and protests across Turkey. The opposition’s “night of democracy” rally drew thousands to denounce his arrest, defying President Erdogan’s warnings against “street terrorism.” A decision on Imamoglu’s detention looms as political tensions escalate
On March 19, 2025, Istanbul erupted in chaos as authorities seized the construction company of jailed Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a leading opposition figure, following his arrest on charges of bribery and terrorism ties. The move, branded a “coup attempt” by CHP leader Ozgur Ozel, ignited massive protests despite a ban, with police clashing with crowds near Taksim Square. As Turkey braces for further unrest, Imamoglu’s wife vowed to resist what she called a plot to erase the nation’s “future president.”
In Athens, healthcare workers and nurses launched a 24-hour strike on Wednesday, halting services in public hospitals to protest severe staff shortages that have pushed the system to its breaking point. “Emergency rooms are in chaos,” warned POEDIN. Meanwhile, a nationwide strike for social workers is set for Friday, March 21, organized by ADEDY to mark World Social Work Day, with a rally planned at the Ministry of Social Cohesion & Family Affairs.
Greece’s central government achieved a primary surplus of 3.5% of its GDP in 2024, significantly surpassing the government’s target of 2.5%. This achievement was announced by the outgoing finance minister, Kostis Hatzidakis, as he welcomed the new finance minister, Kyriakos Pierrakakis.
On Saturday, March 15, 2025, between 275,000 and 325,000 people flooded Belgrade in one of Serbia’s largest-ever protests, demanding an end to corruption. Sparked by the deadly Novi Sad train station collapse in November 2024, the student-led movement has grown into a nationwide call for accountability, challenging President Vučić’s administration amid escalating tensions.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis rolled out a new cabinet on Friday, tapping Kostis Hatzidakis as Deputy PM and Kyriakos Pierrakakis as Finance Minister, days after dodging PASOK’s no-confidence vote. With protests over Tempi and inflation rocking Greece, the reshuffle aims to reboot New Democracy’s image and tackle mounting woes, with the team swearing in Saturday.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is poised to announce a cabinet reshuffle by Saturday, sources say, following massive protests over a 2023 train crash that killed 57 people. The move, which may see Finance Minister Kostis Hatzidakis and Transport Minister Christos Staikouras replaced, aims to restore support for his government amid ongoing criticism over slow railway reforms.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed recent protests and the Tempi train tragedy, stating, “The majority demanded truth, justice, and modern trains—we must move faster to reform the state. This majority will judge us in 2027.” Alongside political reflections, he highlighted economic growth (2.3% in 2024), a 17-year low unemployment rate (8.7%), and new initiatives in health, housing, tourism, and energy exploration.
Student rallies demanding justice for the victims of the 2023 Tempe railway disaster have occurred in central Athens and various other cities. In Athens, the demonstration began at Athens University, with participants marching to the Parliament. At midday, they observed a minute of silence followed by a sit-in protest in front of the legislative building.
ATHENS – Amid ongoing demands for justice over the Tempi train tragedy, Athens will see two major rallies today, prompting metro station closures at Syntagma and Panepistimio. Students and pupils will gather at noon, while workers’ unions and federations will hold an evening demonstration outside Parliament. Protests are also planned in Thessaloniki, Crete, and other cities across Greece.
Thousands across Greece took to the streets once again to demand justice for the victims of the Tempi train disaster. Protests erupted in cities like Thessaloniki, Athens, and Chania, with demonstrators calling for accountability and condemning the government’s handling of the tragedy. In Athens, clashes broke out near Syntagma Square, while tributes were paid with lanterns and moments of silence in other cities. As the debate over a motion of no confidence continues in Parliament, public outrage shows no signs of fading.
The progressive opposition parties will table a motion of no-confidence today against the centre-right New Democracy party amid accusations of alleged efforts to protect politicians responsible for a deadly train accident that killed 57 people, mainly young
Protesters are gathering across Greece today in fresh demonstrations demanding justice for the victims of the Tempi train disaster. These rallies follow the massive nationwide strike on February 28 and are being organised by labour unions, trade associations, and student groups. Major protests are set to take place in Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, and Larissa, among other cities. While public transport will operate as usual, demonstrators continue to call for accountability and improved railway safety under the slogan: “No Cover-Up – No Retreat – Justice for Tempi.”