Turkish President Erdogan's Rival Faces Diploma Controversy
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Politics
March 18, 2025 20:28
istanbul, turkey - Istanbul mayor's diploma revoked 5 days before primaries, challenging Erdogan in upcoming elections. Legal battle ensues.
Istanbul Mayor's Diploma Revoked
The popular Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu faces diploma controversy as university invalidates his 35-year-old degree.
Challenging Erdogan
- Imamoglu, the main opposition candidate, seen as Erdogan's strongest rival in polls.
- University decision comes days before CHP primaries where Imamoglu was the sole candidate.
Legal Battle
Having a university diploma is a requirement for presidential candidacy in Turkey. Imamoglu plans to appeal the decision but fears judicial interference.
Previous Challenges
Imamoglu faced obstacles in becoming a presidential candidate before. After winning Istanbul's mayoral elections, a rerun was ordered due to AKP's challenge. Despite subsequent victory, he was sentenced to prison in 2022.