“A democratic Turkey would bring stability to Syria and Iraq. It’s time for Europe to support this process, not just finance Turkey to keep refugees away,” said Tuncer Bakırhan, co-chair of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, urging the European Union to engage more actively in Turkey’s democratisation during an interview on Medya Haber TV on Wednesday.
Bakırhan emphasised that addressing the Kurdish question was key to ensuring regional stability and reducing migration flows to Europe. His remarks come amid ongoing debates on Turkey’s human rights record, the status of political prisoners, and the future of the Kurdish question.
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Bakırhan dismissed accusations that his party was “complaining” about Turkey on the international stage. “We did not complain about Turkey,” he insisted. Instead, he highlighted that discussions with European officials centred on democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. “They asked about the removal of elected mayors, about İmamoğlu, about street protests, about the hundreds of thousands at Newroz, and about Mr Öcalan’s call,” he said, referring to imprisoned Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan’s past statements on peace and negotiations.
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The DEM Party co-chair criticised the EU’s approach to Turkey, arguing that financial incentives to manage migration were insufficient. “Europe’s duty isn’t just to finance Turkey so that refugees don’t come here, nor is it to overlook anti-democratic practices and violations of law,” he said. Instead, he called for active support for political reforms that could lead to lasting peace and stability.
Bakırhan linked Turkey’s authoritarian policies with the rise in migration, asserting that “if billions spent on war were invested in democracy and development, people wouldn’t need to flee or work in Europe’s service sector.” He added that a democratic Turkey would encourage Syrians and Iraqis to remain in their home countries, reducing migration pressures on Europe.
With Turkey at the centre of multiple regional crises, Bakırhan underlined its geopolitical importance. “The world is now inside a mobile phone. People are closely watching a strategic country like Turkey, especially when it’s discussing a 100-year-old issue,” he said, referring to the long-standing Kurdish question.
He argued that European influence on Turkey was significant due to trade and diplomacy. “EU countries engage with Turkey in negotiations. If Turkey takes a step, it impacts developments here, and vice versa,” he said, suggesting that democratic progress in Turkey could ripple across the region.
Ending with a call to action, Bakırhan urged European leaders and civil society to go beyond mere statements of concern. “This constant condemnation, these messages of concern, no longer affect anyone. We need support for a real solution,” he said.
