The Confederación Intersindical and Comisiones Obreras (CCOO) issued statements in solidarity with KESK and DISK.

In the statement to KESK, the Confederación Intersindical recalled that "the recent arrest of the mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoğlu, and Erdoğan's main rival for the Turkish presidency, has led to thousands of people demonstrating in the streets demanding his release. These demonstrations have been harshly repressed by the Turkish forces of repression. As of today, more than 100 people have been arrested, and it is not known when they will be released.

We must remember that the Erdoğan government's censorship of freedom of expression and demonstration in the political, social and trade union spheres has been denounced on many occasions."

The statement underlined "the value of Turkish trade unions, which play a fundamental role in the defence of labour rights and the promotion of democratic values. As an internationalist trade union, we have witnessed an alarming increase in the criminalisation of trade union activity in Turkey. Trade union leaders and activists have been persecuted, imprisoned, and face constant threats from a regime that seeks to silence any dissenting voices. This situation cannot be ignored, as it compromises not only the welfare of the Turkish working class, but also the very social stability of the country."

Comisiones Obreras expressed "its deepest condemnation of what is clearly an attack on democracy and the rule of law in Turkey. CCOO stands in solidarity with the Turkish unions DISK and KESK, as well as with the thousands of people who have mobilized against Erdoğan to denounce his maneuvers to dismantle the main opposition party, the CHP, and reclaim the Istanbul mayoralty. Additionally, we raise concern over the risk that, in his attempt to hold on to power, Erdoğan may seek to amend the constitution."

The statement added: "The threat of increasing political authoritarianism in Turkey is clear. While Erdoğan has previously undermined democracy, he had never before outright prevented the free selection of opposition candidates. It is alarming to consider the potential support he may receive from Trump, as well as the lack of opposition from Russia and the European Union.

In light of this critical situation for democracy and freedoms in Turkey, CCOO echoes the words of our comrades from the Turkish public workers' union KESK: “Turkish society will neither surrender nor remain silent in the face of attacks on democratic principles.” Likewise, we reaffirm the statement by DISK President Arzu Çerkezoğlu: The will of the people, democracy, and republican values cannot be imprisoned."

In the statement in solidarity with Eğitim-Sen, the Confederation STEs-i expressed its "strongest support to the trade union Eğitim-Sen in view of the recent investigation launched by the General Prosecutor's Office of Istanbul. A new investigation that has no legal basis and is yet another reflection of the anti-democratic practices being exercised."

The Confederation STEs-i added: "Education should be a space of free thought, where the pursuit of knowledge and the exchange of ideas flow without restrictions. However, the oppressive policies that have been implemented directly threaten this ideal, turning universities into controlled environments where democratic principles are systematically ignored. At a time when it is difficult for teachers and students to carry out their academic activities properly, this decision reflects the union's commitment to defend the rights of all those who are part of the educational community and aspire to defend democratic values."