Protests against the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu and students led to a series of shopping boycott calls today, resulting in a growing backlash. Ministers were seen shopping to show support for local businesses. Criticism of the decision also came from the business sector. AK Party Spokesperson Ömer Çelik shared his visit to a shop with the caption “wishing you good business.” Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat was also spotted shopping in Ankara. Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya was seen shopping as well, stating, “We will continue to stand by our local businesses.” CHP Chairman Özgür Özel mentioned that boycotting is a constitutional right, saying, “We supported the one-day boycott call for the arrested students, will join the boycott today, and win back the hearts of those shop owners tomorrow.”Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey, stated that companies should not be involved in political debates. Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized, “Companies that produce, provide employment, and make investments should not be targeted and subjected to boycott calls. Our companies should be kept out of political discussions.”Bendevi Palandöken, President of the Confederation of Turkish Tradesmen and Craftsmen, thanked Minister Bolat for supporting the shop owners, saying, “In these economic difficulties, we should support those who are trying to serve their customers and not halt commerce.”Erdal Bahçıvan, President of the Istanbul Chamber of Industry, suggested that adhering to democracy and laws within balanced production and trade activities would be beneficial for the country. Şekib Avdagiç, President of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, stated, “We should not allow Turkey’s companies, economy, and the production accumulation built by the sacrifices of 86 million citizens be the losers.”Gürsel Baran, Chairman of the Ankara Chamber of Commerce, warned that boycotting would be equivalent to laying mines beneath the foundations of local and national production, trade, employment, and tax revenues. Seyit Ardıç, President of the Ankara Chamber of Industry, emphasized the importance of economic independence, stating, “We should avoid any action or boycott that poses a risk for our companies contributing to production and employment.”Mahmut Asmalı, Chairman of the Independent Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association (MÜSİAD), criticized the boycott decision, describing it as an attempt to weaken our domestic and national capital and open a door for global capital.