In Belgrade, at the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) Midterm Conference on “A Fair Deal for Workers in a Changing World,” my message was read aloud by @etuc_ces Secretary General @EstherLynchs during the Progressive Mayors panel.
Though I have been unjustly held in Silivri Prison for nearly two months due to politically motivated charges, I remain deeply committed to sharing Istanbul’s story — and standing up for democracy, dignity, and social justice.
In my message, I spoke about the Istanbul Model: green transformation, inclusive services, transparent governance, and strong citizen participation. We believe that local governments are the last line of defense for democracy — and we must lead with courage.
Let’s keep building bridges — city to city, citizen to citizen — for a more just and livable world.
#Democracy #Solidarity #IstanbulModel #ETUC2025