The Governing Board of ALDA is supporting the statement of our long standing member in Türkiye, MMU, Marmara Municipalities Union in regards to the current situation in the country. We confirm that we are standing firm in supporting democracy, human rights and rule of law. Local Democracy has it all and it represents a key pillar of good governance, inclusiveness and sustainbility. We consider essential that those values are put in action. MMU is an active member of ALDA, with which we share strategy and actions, in particular in the field of gender empowerment in local governance and inclusive and resilient cities in terms of migration. We worked together also in the difficult times of the COVID 19.
Our organisation will continue monitoring the situation and helping our members, We are also close to all colleagues and the partners of the projects that we have now on going like We Act and The Place.
“As the Marmara Municipalities Union, which brings together municipalities and mayors from different political parties to seek solutions to common problems and is based on solidarity and cooperation, we are closely following the process regarding our members Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mr. Ekrem Imamoglu, Beylikduzu Mayor Mr. M Murat Calik and Sisli Mayor Mr. Resul Emrah Sahan.
Democratic values, principles of the rule of law and respect for the will of the voters are the fundamental basis of local governments. A democratic rule of law is also the basis of living together in peace and equal conditions. In this context, it is as essential that legal processes are carried out in accordance with the principles of a democratic rule of law as it is legitimate for those who carry out public duties and use public resources to be accountable to the law.
All kinds of claims must be evaluated in accordance with the principles of the rule of law, personal freedom and dignity must be taken as the basis, and people’s rights not to be tarnished must be respected. We remind you that practices contrary to the principles of the rule of law will not only damage the dignity of individuals, but will also cause deep wounds in society and damage the reputation of our state, and we emphasise the importance of operating democratic mechanisms.
As the Marmara Municipalities Union, we will continue to stand by our members and work for democratic local government, as we have for 50 years.”
Marmara Municipalities Union