At just past midnight on Monday, re-elected Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu addressed jubilant crowds outside the city's municipality building, after his party delivered a substantial blow to the ruling party, marking one of their most significant defeats.
“Sixteen million Istanbulites have won – congratulations. There are no losers in this election,” he said, rolling up his sleeves and removing his tie – an apparent gesture to his willingness to return to work serving Turkey’s largest city. “The era will continue where every Istanbulite receives equal and fair service.”
The crowd whooped and cheered joyfully, some wearing headbands bearing the words, “Ekrem Imamoglu is one of us.”
Mr Imamoglu’s re-election as mayor of Istanbul was the biggest victory of a night of wins for Turkey’s main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP). It maintained or won control of six of Turkey’s biggest cities by population size – Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, Adana and Antalya.
“This is the biggest defeat Erdogan has registered in his political career,” said Murat Somer, a political-science professor at Ozyegin University.
Mr Imamoglu won Istanbul with 51 per cent of the vote, compared to 39.6 per cent for Murat Kurum, the candidate for Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP).
In the capital Ankara, popular CHP mayor Mansur Yavas was re-elected with 60 per cent of the vote, compared with the AKP candidate’s 32 per cent. Within Istanbul, CHP won control of important local districts too, including the tourist centre of Beyoglu, and Uskudar. The district on Istanbul’s Asian shore is symbolically significant as it is where Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan casts his vote.
The election results are “a great success for CHP. We have won back all the metropolitan mayoralties and added on to them”, said Unal Cevikoz, a former CHP MP.
He put the AKP’s losses down to economic hardships: with inflation near 70 per cent and the Turkish lira slipping ever further against the US dollar and the euro. Turks have continued to struggle financially despite government measures put in place over the last year to try to fix the economy.
In Istanbul, Mr Imamoglu will preside over tens of thousands of employees, a multibillion dollar budget and the resources of Turkey’s cultural and financial capital for the next five years. He won on a campaign promising the end of a controversial canal project, providing low-cost food and transport and opening an array of sports and cultural facilities.
Observers attributed the CHP’s success in the local elections to its willingness to reform after its candidate, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, lost to Mr Erdogan in last year’s presidential elections. They said voters rewarded segments of the opposition that prioritised policy over internal squabbling.
“Voters appear to have rewarded those opposition actors who have been willing to self-critically reform themselves and come up with new ideas, new names, and candidates – the first actor among these is Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu,” said Prof Somer.
We want him [Imamoglu] to be president; he has united everyone
Simay,
Turkish Doctor
Voters celebrating Mr Imamoglu’s win are already looking to the mayor to compete in Turkey’s next presidential election scheduled for 2028.
“We want him [Imamoglu] to be president; he has united everyone,” said Simay, a 24-year-old doctor who asked that only her first name be published.
She cited Mr Kurum’s failings as a former government minister and religiosity as reasons for disliking the AKP’s candidate for Istanbul's mayor.
At the same time, voters sent a message of their discontent with current President Erdogan.
“Tayyip, resign! Tayyip resign!” chanted the crowds celebrating Imamoglu’s win.
The President will not heed the crowd’s chant and step down. But he acknowledged that his party had not done as well as hoped in a late-night speech at his party headquarters in Ankara. “We will turn the period until the next elections into a comprehensive accounting ground where we renew ourselves in every respect and make up for our mistakes,” he said.
The Istanbul defeat was a particular blow to Mr Erdogan, who launched his political career in the 1990s in the city and had hoped Mr Kurum would win the mayoralty back from the political opposition.
The difference between Mr Erdogan’s win in the presidential elections last year and the AKP’s losses in the local elections raise questions about the president’s political future and that of his party, which has no clear successor when he steps away from politics. The CHP, on the other hand, has a clear next generation in Mr Imamoglu and Mr Yavaş.
With 78.5 per cent of eligible voters going to the ballot boxes, Sunday's turnout for local elections held across Turkey was lower than in previous elections.
Observers say some of those who stayed at home were disillusioned AKP voters who wanted to warn the party about their disappointment in seeing few improvements to their quality of life despite continuing to vote them into power. Others voted for opposition candidates such as Mr Imamoglu.
AKP also lost votes to the conservative Islamist New Welfare Party (YRP), which took control of two provinces – Sanliurfa on the Syrian border and Yozgat in central Anatolia.
“YRP did a good job presenting itself as an address for AKP voters who did not want to vote AKP and differentiating themselves just enough from them,” said Seda Demiralp, a professor of political science at Işık University in Istanbul. “There are two issues they have been critical on – the government’s passive role in the Israel-Palestine conflict and on the economy.”
Votes from Turkey’s Kurdish citizens appear to have contributed to Mr Imamoglu’s win in Istanbul. The pro-Kurdish DEM Party fielded its own mayoral candidate in the city, who received just 2 per cent of the vote, suggesting that many of Istanbul’s millions of Kurdish citizens chose to vote for Mr Imamoglu instead of along ethnic party lines.
Mr Erdogan still has a tight grip on governance, controlling all branches of government and much of the media scene. He will retain his seat until the next presidential election in four years’ time.
“I think the opposition will realise that this [local election] success cannot be sustainable unless they also translate it into success on the national level,” said Prof Somer.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
THE BIO
Favourite car: Koenigsegg Agera RS or Renault Trezor concept car.
Favourite book: I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes or Red Notice by Bill Browder.
Biggest inspiration: My husband Nik. He really got me through a lot with his positivity.
Favourite holiday destination: Being at home in Australia, as I travel all over the world for work. It’s great to just hang out with my husband and family.
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
Emergency
Director: Kangana Ranaut
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry
Rating: 2/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Mobile phone packages comparison
The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Transmission: seven-speed auto
Power: 420 bhp
Torque: 624Nm
Price: from Dh293,200
On sale: now
THE BIO: Martin Van Almsick
Hometown: Cologne, Germany
Family: Wife Hanan Ahmed and their three children, Marrah (23), Tibijan (19), Amon (13)
Favourite dessert: Umm Ali with dark camel milk chocolate flakes
Favourite hobby: Football
Breakfast routine: a tall glass of camel milk
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Price: from Dh122,745
On sale: now
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
How tumultuous protests grew
- A fuel tax protest by French drivers appealed to wider anti-government sentiment
- Unlike previous French demonstrations there was no trade union or organised movement involved
- Demonstrators responded to online petitions and flooded squares to block traffic
- At its height there were almost 300,000 on the streets in support
- Named after the high visibility jackets that drivers must keep in cars
- Clashes soon turned violent as thousands fought with police at cordons
- An estimated two dozen people lost eyes and many others were admitted to hospital
RESULTS
%3Cp%3E5pm%3A%20Wathba%20Stallions%20Cup%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh70%2C000%20(Turf)%202%2C200m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20RB%20Sarab%2C%20Allaia%20Tiar%20(jockey)%2C%20Khalifa%20Al%20Neyadi%20(trainer)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E5.30pm%3A%20Mamsha%20Alkhair%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C600m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Mutaqadim%2C%20Ray%20Dawson%2C%20Ibrahim%20Al%20Hadhrami%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E6pm%3A%20Emirates%20Fillies%20Classic%20%E2%80%93%20Prestige%20(PA)%20Dh100%2C000%20(T)%201%2C600m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Almotajalliah%2C%20Ray%20Dawson%2C%20Ibrahim%20Al%20Hadhrami%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E6.30pm%3A%20Emirates%20Colts%20Classic%20%E2%80%93%20Prestige%20(PA)%20Dh100%2C000%20(T)%201%2C600m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Fadwaan%2C%20Antonio%20Fresu%2C%20Ahmed%20Al%20Mehairbi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E7pm%3A%20The%20President%E2%80%99s%20Cup%20%E2%80%93%20Group%201%20(PA)%20Dh2%2C500%2C000%20(T)%202%2C200m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Mujeeb%2C%20Richard%20Mullen%2C%20Salem%20Al%20Ketbi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E7.30pm%3A%20The%20President%E2%80%99s%20Cup%20%E2%80%93%20Listed%20(TB)%20Dh380%2C000%20(T)%201%2C400m%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Western%20Writer%2C%20Richard%20Mullen%2C%20Bhupat%20Seemar%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The biog
Born: Kuwait in 1986
Family: She is the youngest of seven siblings
Time in the UAE: 10 years
Hobbies: audiobooks and fitness: she works out every day, enjoying kickboxing and basketball
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Tree of Hell
Starring: Raed Zeno, Hadi Awada, Dr Mohammad Abdalla
Director: Raed Zeno
Rating: 4/5
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
What is Reform?
Reform is a right-wing, populist party led by Nigel Farage, a former MEP who won a seat in the House of Commons last year at his eighth attempt and a prominent figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.
It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.
Many of its members previously belonged to UKIP or the mainstream Conservatives.
After Brexit took place, the party focused on the reformation of British democracy.
Former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson became its first MP after defecting in March 2024.
The party gained support from Elon Musk, and had hoped the tech billionaire would make a £100m donation. However, Mr Musk changed his mind and called for Mr Farage to step down as leader in a row involving the US tycoon's support for far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson who is in prison for contempt of court.
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025, Thailand
UAE fixtures
May 9, v Malaysia
May 10, v Qatar
May 13, v Malaysia
May 15, v Qatar
May 18 and 19, semi-finals
May 20, final
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
MORE ON TURKEY'S SYRIA OFFENCE
Results
4.30pm Jebel Jais – Maiden (PA) Dh60,000 (Turf) 1,000m; Winner: MM Al Balqaa, Bernardo Pinheiro (jockey), Qaiss Aboud (trainer)
5pm: Jabel Faya – Maiden (PA) Dh60,000 (T) 1,000m; Winner: AF Rasam, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
5.30pm: Al Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: AF Mukhrej, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
6pm: The President’s Cup Prep – Conditions (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Mujeeb, Richard Mullen, Salem Al Ketbi
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club – Prestige (PA) Dh125,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Jawal Al Reef, Antonio Fresu, Abubakar Daud
7pm: Al Ruwais – Group 3 (PA) Dh300,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: Ashton Tourettes, Pat Dobbs, Ibrahim Aseel
7.30pm: Jebel Hafeet – Maiden (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Nibraas, Richard Mullen, Nicholas Bachalard
