Turkish government’s imposition of trustees and restrictions on the Kurdish language was denounced by Tülay Hatimoğulları, co-chair of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, who advocated the protection of local democracy and the cultural rights of Kurdish communities, during a public gathering on Thursday in Kars (Qers).
Hatimoğulları voiced strong opposition to the Turkish government’s practice of appointing trustees to Kurdish-majority municipalities and the bans on the Kurdish language. Speaking at a hundreds-strong public gathering, Hatimoğulları emphasised the importance of resisting these measures to uphold local democracy and cultural rights.
Hatimoğulları highlighted the significance of Kars as a city that embodies diversity and coexistence, drawing parallels between the city and DEM Party’s inclusive political stance. She condemned the alliance between the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and its ultra-right ally Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) for their hostile policies towards Kurds and other minority communities, particularly criticising the suppression of minority languages in official settings.
Addressing the economic challenges faced by the region, Hatimoğulları criticised the AKP’s economic policies, pointing to the disconnect between government claims and the reality experienced by local businesses and residents. She stressed the importance of supporting local agriculture and animal husbandry, advocating for investments and initiatives to boost the local economy.
The co-chair also condemned the appointment of trustees to Kurdish-majority municipalities, which has led to the removal of Kurdish language signs and the closure of women’s centres, among other regressive actions. She called for a return to democratic governance in local municipalities and pledged to restore and protect cultural and linguistic rights.