Senior US lawmakers and policy experts have expressed concerns about Turkey’s drift away from democratic principles, citing issues such as political repression, compromised judicial independence, and the incarceration of opposition figures. The warnings come as Ankara prepares to host a crucial NATO summit next month. At a hearing, bipartisan lawmakers raised doubts about the prospects for genuine political competition under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s administration.
Commission Co-Chair Rep. Christopher Smith highlighted the erosion of democratic institutions in Turkey, emphasizing the challenges in restoring fundamental civil and political freedoms. The arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu in March 2025, a key opposition figure, was underscored as a significant moment by Smith. The situation in Turkey has reportedly worsened since previous assessments, with growing pressure on dissenting voices and media outlets.
Experts at the hearing described Turkey’s political trajectory as shifting towards authoritarianism, where electoral outcomes may no longer lead to meaningful change. The country was characterized as moving beyond “competitive authoritarianism” towards a system where opposition victory at the ballot box appears increasingly unlikely. Concerns were raised about the concentration of power around President Erdogan, leading to a personalized form of governance.
Former political prisoner Serkan Golge, who spent years in Turkish jails, emotionally testified about his ordeal, highlighting the misuse of anti-terrorism laws to suppress dissent. Golge urged US intervention to ensure Turkey’s compliance with human rights standards. The upcoming NATO summit in Ankara has prompted calls for the Trump administration to address human rights issues directly with Erdogan, leveraging bilateral cooperation to promote democratic values.
