IKV Chairperson Ayhan Zeytinoğlu made a statement after the local elections held on 31 March 2024 Sunday. Chairperson Zeytinoğlu highlighted the importance of the elections for local democracy and emphasized the importance of reforms in the post-election period. Chairperson Zeytinoğlu said the following:

“We have entered a new era after the local elections. The elections were very lively and the success of women candidates in particular gave hope for the future of Türkiye. We congratulate all political parties and candidates who fought a democratic struggle and congratulate the new mayors and council members who won the elections. It is now crucial for Türkiye to accelerate economic and political reforms in the period ahead. As a rapidly growing and developing country, our country needs to continue its policies to fight inflation and support exports. Initiating the modernization of the Türkiye-EU customs union is critical for attracting more qualified foreign investment and adapting to green and digital transformations. In addition to these aspects, which are essential for increased stability and prosperity, the revitalization of Türkiye's EU process will contribute to strengthening its international position. Pushing Türkiye out of the EU enlargement process in line with the EU membership goal will lead to its exclusion from the new European structure. It is important to step up efforts both in this respect and in line with the EU membership goal. Primary, we can start with the fulfilment of the 6 criteria that have not yet been completed in the visa liberalization roadmap, which is one of the most prioritized agenda items in Türkiye-EU relations.