“We stand firmly behind Mr Öcalan’s historic message to the world,” declared Tülay Hatimoğulları, co-chair of Turkey’s pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, addressing her party’s parliamentary group meeting in Ankara on Monday. Calling for the lifting of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan’s isolation, Hatimoğulları stressed that his participation in the peace process is essential for resolving Turkey’s decades-long Kurdish question.
“This is a time to approach the process wisely and to write history,” she said, urging parliament to prioritise dialogue over division. She described Öcalan’s recent messages as a roadmap to a more inclusive and democratic future, underlining the urgency of action as a “historic responsibility”.
Hatimoğulları’s remarks come amid growing economic challenges in Turkey, which she described as exacerbating social inequality. She criticised soaring rents, taxes, and insufficient wages, accusing the government of prioritising its allies over the needs of ordinary citizens. “While workers and pensioners are crushed under the weight of rising costs, the government continues to fill the pockets of its allies. We cannot remain silent about this injustice,” she stated.
Turning to the minimum wage set for 2025 at 22,104 Turkish lira (approximately $625), Hatimoğulları dismissed it as inadequate for basic survival. “This wage barely meets the hunger threshold,” she said, calling for an increase to 35,000 Turkish lira (approximately $990) with periodic adjustments to match inflation. She also denounced tax hikes and rent increases, which have left many struggling to afford housing, pointing out that rents have risen by nearly 60% in January alone.
Hatimoğulları linked the economic crisis to broader injustices, commemorating journalist Metin Göktepe, who was killed 27 years ago while reporting. She paid tribute to Göktepe and other slain journalists, describing their work as vital to the fight for democracy and accountability. “We honour all press workers who have paid the ultimate price in their quest for truth and justice,” she said.
Addressing regional tensions, Hatimoğulları condemned violence in Syria, including attacks on women and minorities. She reaffirmed her party’s commitment to an inclusive democratic solution in the region, linking these challenges to Öcalan’s peace proposals. “Mr Öcalan’s message is not just for politicians. It is a call to society, urging everyone to embrace peace and justice,” she said, stressing that Öcalan’s insights remain relevant for both Turkey and the wider Middle East.
She emphasised the critical role of the Turkish Grand National Assembly in advancing the peace process, calling it “a train that must not be missed.” Hatimoğulları appealed to all political parties to join forces in addressing the Kurdish issue and other national challenges. “The 21st century demands that we prioritise dialogue and unity over division and conflict,” she stated.
Hatimoğulları concluded with an appeal to civil society, unions, and intellectuals to contribute to building peace, describing it as a collective responsibility. “There are no losers in peace,” she said. “Together, we must ensure that this century is marked not by war but by justice, democracy, and hope for all.”
Turkey: DEM Party meets main opposition CHP after Öcalan dialogue DEM Party and ruling AKP hold talks following İmralı meeting Iron fist in a velvet glove: Erdoğan’s aggressive stance on Kurds and Syria deepen DEM Party calls for Abdullah Öcalan’s release to solidify peace efforts DEM Party delegation meets key political leaders in Ankara, including Devlet Bahçeli Pro-Kurdish DEM Party to hold key talks with political parties in Ankara
