In Turkey, the opposition has launched a major petition campaign expressing no confidence in the current president. The initiative calls for early presidential elections, as announced by one of the opposition leaders, Özgür Özel.

He said the campaign would begin at the start of the week, covering every home and street across the country. “Starting literally on Monday, we will begin collecting signatures in every home and every street of our country to show Erdoğan the broadest expression of no confidence,” he said.

Özel emphasized the opposition’s readiness to head to the polls as soon as possible, aiming for this summer.

“We are already ready for (early – ed.) elections in June. If you can’t make it by June, we’re ready for the first half of November. Step up and compete with our candidate,” he said.

About two and a half weeks ago, Istanbul’s current mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu was detained. A few days later, he was officially arrested. İmamoğlu is widely regarded as Erdoğan’s main rival in the upcoming presidential race.