Editorial: Le Monde

• Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish president, has imprisoned Ekrem Imamoglu, a potential electoral rival and the mayor of Istanbul since 2019.
• Erdogan has systematically dismantled the rule of law and counter-powers over the last decade.
• The democratic regression began in 2013, followed by a drift towards authoritarianism.
• Liberticidal laws have been passed, mayors have been removed from office, and intellectuals, artists, and journalists have been arrested.
• Despite such actions, Erdogan seems confident of remaining in power without repercussions.
• Erdogan has crossed a line into complete autocracy by imprisoning Imamoglu, a significant opposition candidate.
• Despite international protests against Imamoglu's detention, EU condemnation seems distant.

Conclusion: The persistent drift into autocracy in Turkey is not only a drama for its population but also terrible news for all defenders of democracy.

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