ANKARA: Turkiye’s government denounced opposition calls for a mass commercial boycott following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu that sparked nationwide protests, describing them on Wednesday as an economic “sabotage attempt”.

After the mayor was detained two weeks ago, the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) had called for 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 said boycott calls posed a threat to economic stability and accused those advocating them of seeking to undermine the government. They “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,” Bolat said.

“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,” he said, before appearing on other TV channels to repeat the same messages.

In Istanbul and Ankara, empty tables lined usually busy cafs, and several shops reported a significant drop in customers. Hayrettin, a shopowner in central Istanbul who didn’t want to give his surname, defended the boycott, saying it was necessary to send a message to the government.

Published in Dawn, April 3rd, 2025