The Nation Alliance, consisting of CHP, İYİ Parti, Demokrat Parti, DEVA, Saadet Partisi, and Gelecek Partisi, announced their Common Policies Agreement Text in Ankara, outlining policies they plan to implement if they come to power. The document includes over two thousand new regulations under nine titles. Professor Ali Çarkoğlu finds the agreement impressive, noting a focus on economic and social policies over identity issues. He compares it to AK Parti's 2002 election manifesto, suggesting that the Alliance's approach to identity politics is realistic and strategic. Professor Tanju Tosun also views the program positively, highlighting its strong stance on the rule of law, human rights, and anti-corruption measures. The Alliance's communication strategy and the clarity of their governance proposals are seen as significant, with the document expected to form the backbone of the Nation Alliance's presidential candidate's campaign.

The possibility of Turkey's President Erdoğan running for a third term is debated in the context of early elections and constitutional law. While the ruling party, AK Parti, and its allies suggest Erdoğan is in his first term under the new system and can run again, constitutional law experts like Ece Göztepe Çelebi and Serap Yazıcı argue that if Erdoğan himself calls for early elections during his second term, he cannot run for a third term. The Supreme Election Council (YSK) would be the final authority on this matter, with no higher appeal possible, even to the European Court of Human Rights (AİHM).

The Turkish Grand National Assembly completed discussions on a legislative proposal that includes a controversial 2% threshold condition for unions to benefit from collective bargaining bonuses. This condition has been met with opposition from public unions and opposition parties, including IYI Party leader Meral Akşener. Despite objections, the proposal was not amended and was referred to the General Assembly. Union leaders from KESK and other organizations argue that the threshold violates constitutional rights and previous court rulings, and could lead to the closure of many unions, forcing members to join unions they do not prefer. A police intervention occurred during a protest by the United Public Workers' Confederation against the proposal.

Reactions continue to the decision to impose a political ban on Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who was sentenced to 2 years, 7 months, and 15 days in prison. Various figures from the Justice and Development Party (AKP) commented on the decision, generally emphasizing the ongoing judicial process. Justice Minister Bekir Bozdağ highlighted the independence of the judiciary, while former Speaker of the Grand National Assembly Bülent Arınç criticized the decision as shameful. Other party members, including Bülent Turan and Yılmaz Tunç, also weighed in, with Tunç dismissing claims that the decision was influenced by the government. Metin Külünk commented on the political dynamics involving İmamoğlu and Meral Akşener of the Good Party.

Ekrem İmamoğlu, the Mayor of Istanbul, has been sentenced to 2 years and 7 months in prison for insulting members of the Supreme Electoral Council and faces a political ban. His lawyers plan to appeal the decision, which will be reviewed by the Istanbul Regional Court of Justice and potentially the Supreme Court of Appeals. The outcome will determine whether İmamoğlu can continue as mayor and run for president. Constitutional Law expert Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tolga Şirin and lawyer Dr. Rezan Epözdemir provide insights into the legal implications and processes, suggesting that the final decision may not be reached before the upcoming elections, allowing İmamoğlu to potentially run for president.

Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu was sentenced to 2 years, 7 months, and 15 days in prison for insulting members of the High Election Board (YSK). The sentence could potentially ban him from political activity. The accusations stem from İmamoğlu's criticism of the annulment of the March 31st Istanbul elections. The case, which has been rejected by İmamoğlu, is now moving to the appellate stage. Prominent political figures, including CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and others, have shown support for İmamoğlu. The legal proceedings and political implications are ongoing.

Despite a decline in child marriages in Turkey, the issue of children becoming mothers and the victimization they experience continues to be a concern. The article discusses the negative impact of media exposure on children who are victims of sexual abuse, including stigmatization and secondary traumatization. Psychologist Suna Bayram emphasizes the importance of protecting children's privacy in the media and providing them with proper privacy education. Lawyer Özge Üstün criticizes the focus on punishment over the well-being of the child in sexual abuse cases and calls for a review of the Press Law and regulations for online media to protect children's identity information.

Benjamin Netanyahu's return as Prime Minister of Israel, leading the most right-wing coalition in the country's history, raises questions about the future of Turkey-Israel relations. Despite past tensions during Netanyahu's previous terms, the regional context has changed, encouraging cooperation in trade, industry, energy, and security. Experts like Dr. Selin Nasi from Eliamep Turkey Program and Dr. Ferit Belder from Marmara University suggest that despite potential turbulence, the normalization process between Turkey and Israel is likely to continue. They note that both leaders are pragmatic and capable of adapting to current conditions, and that the established normalization steps are expected to proceed smoothly. However, the inclusion of far-right politicians in Netanyahu's coalition could pose risks for Israel's relations with Arab countries and potentially lead to new tensions with Palestine.

Tensions between Turkey and Greece are escalating, potentially influenced by upcoming elections in both countries. Greek Prime Minister Nikos Dendias suggests that the Turkish public does not support the government's anti-Greece rhetoric, while Turkish officials accuse Greece of aggressive behavior. Experts, including Doç. Dr. Pınar Erkem and Prof. Dr. Mesut Hakkı Caşın, analyze the situation, considering the impact of nationalism and the arms race, with Greece's military upgrades supported by the US and France. The risk of conflict is heightened by the lack of security felt by both sides, and the situation is further complicated by geopolitical interests in the Mediterranean, particularly regarding natural gas transportation.

Retirees in Turkey are struggling with pensions that do not keep up with inflation and economic crisis, leading to a demand for the lowest pensions to match the minimum wage. Yusuf Alkaç, a retiree, is unable to live on his monthly pension of 3,500 lira and is disappointed with the insufficient government adjustments. Cengiz Yavuz, President of Emekli-Sen, highlights that most of the 13.6 million retirees live below the poverty line, with 4.8 million receiving less than 2,500 lira a month. Yavuz criticizes the policies that ignore the needs of retirees and workers, and advocates for pensions to at least equal the minimum wage.

In Turkey, the official rent increase rate for April was 29.88%, as announced by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK). However, tenants in metropolitan areas are facing proposed rent increases exceeding 100%. Experts attribute the rent hikes to insufficient housing production and rising construction costs. Tenants, real estate experts, and legal professionals are evaluating Turkey's 'rent problem' in all its dimensions. The article includes personal accounts from tenants facing steep rent increases and potential evictions, expert analysis on the housing market shortage, and legal advice on tenant rights. The real estate market is under pressure due to a lack of new housing, increased construction costs, and the aftermath of the pandemic and currency fluctuations.

The Republican People's Party (CHP) has applied to the Constitutional Court (AYM) for the annulment of four articles of the Election Law, arguing that the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) are attempting to manipulate election boards by appointing judges with ties to their parties. The CHP criticizes the proposed changes as unconstitutional, particularly the shift from senior judges to first-class judges through a lottery system and the exemption of the party chairman and presidential candidate from election bans. CHP representatives İbrahim Ö. Kaboğlu and Zeynel Emre express concerns that these changes threaten the impartiality and fairness of upcoming elections.

Bekir Ağırdır, General Manager of KONDA Research Company, asserts that the Turkish government's 'pious generation' project is failing, as evidenced by the disinterest of Generation Z youth in the Hagia Sophia decision. He highlights the youth's anxiety about the future and their disillusionment with the country's prospects. Ağırdır notes that the youth are angry and reactive due to unattainable opportunities and that their radicalization tendencies are strong. He warns that manipulating their anger could lead to negative outcomes, while providing hope could harness their energy. The research indicates that young people are against authoritarianism and patriarchy, and nearly half of those under 30 do not participate in elections. Ağırdır emphasizes the need for role models and a hopeful vision for the future, as mere opposition politics is insufficient. He also points out that while there is common concern among youth on issues like women's rights and the environment, the Kurdish issue remains divisive.

Doğu Perinçek, leader of the Vatan Partisi in Turkey, discusses various political topics on Euronews RÖP program. He criticizes the Turkish left for not supporting his party's stance and accuses other parties of not being scientifically or people-oriented in their politics. Perinçek denies supporting Erdoğan, instead claiming support for Turkey and its defense against external threats. He emphasizes the importance of aligning with Russia, Iran, and China over NATO and the U.S. for Turkey's security and economic future. Perinçek also mentions upcoming visits to Syria following an invitation from Bashar al-Assad and ongoing discussions with the Turkish government. He supports the military approach to the Kurdish issue and criticizes the HDP for its connections with the PKK. Perinçek also reflects on his political journey, including his imprisonment during the Ergenekon trials, and positions himself as a staunch opponent of American imperialism in Turkey.

Meral Aksener, a former Interior Minister and a presidential candidate in Turkey, is challenging the incumbent Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the upcoming elections. Aksener, who left the nationalist party allied with Erdogan to form her own party, Iyi (Good), is portrayed as a strong advocate for women and children's rights. Despite the Iyi Party's recent establishment, Aksener is polling at 11.4% and is seen as a potential threat to Erdogan if she reaches the runoff. She emphasizes the importance of protecting democracy and equality for all Turkish citizens, regardless of ethnicity or religious sect. The article also touches on the economic concerns facing Turkey, such as the devaluation of the lira and rising inflation, which are expected to influence voter decisions. Aksener criticizes the current government's irresponsible handling of the economy and the unequal conditions of the election campaign.

Selahattin Demirtas, co-founder of the pro-Kurdish Hdp party, is running his presidential campaign from a prison cell in Edirne, Turkey, where he is detained on terrorism charges and faces up to 142 years in prison. Despite the limitations, he remains optimistic and continues to campaign through social media and support from outside. Demirtas criticizes President Erdogan for transforming Turkey into an 'open-air prison' after the failed coup attempt in 2016 and believes that the majority of Kurds will not vote for Erdogan's Akp in the upcoming elections. The interview highlights Demirtas's resilience and the political dynamics in Turkey ahead of the elections.

Sanem Altan, journalist and daughter of Turkish writer Ahmet Altan, speaks about her father's resilience following his life imprisonment sentence for alleged complicity in the 2016 failed coup. Ahmet Altan, also sentenced to an additional five years for 'insulting' President Erdogan, is seen by Sanem as a victim of political persecution without evidence. The Turkish judiciary's disregard for the Constitutional Court's release order and the European Court of Human Rights' potential involvement are highlighted. Sanem criticizes the Turkish government's crackdown on media and dissent, exemplified by the situation in Afrin, Syria, and the global implications of such actions.

Thousands are marching from Ankara to Istanbul in a movement unfamiliar to Turkey, led by Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu of the Republican People's Party (CHP). Selvi Kılıçdaroğlu, Kemal's wife, breaks her silence in an interview, expressing her individuality and views separate from her husband's political identity. She discusses her Dersim heritage, the lack of mutual understanding among Turkish regions, and the political climate following the arrest of Enis Berberoğlu, which she sees as a tipping point that sparked the march. The march is not solely for Berberoğlu but reflects a broader demand for justice, amidst concerns of violence and fear. Selvi also criticizes the CHP's support for lifting parliamentary immunities, suggesting it was unnecessary as the ruling AKP and MHP had sufficient votes.