During a forceful appeal during her party’s municipal co-chairs meeting on Wednesday, Turkey’s pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party Co-Chair Tülay Hatimoğulları underscored the necessity of opening dialogue with jailed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan to build a foundation for peace in Turkey. “What must be done is clear: the gates of İmralı must be opened,” she declared, urging immediate government action to facilitate communication with Öcalan as a step towards resolving the Kurdish question and fostering nationwide stability.
Her remarks came during a gathering attended by party co-chair Tuncer Bakırhan and members of the Central Executive Board, where challenges facing opposition-led municipalities were a key focus. Hatimoğulları criticised the prolonged isolation of Öcalan, describing it as a significant obstacle to peacebuilding. “We need peace in Turkey as much as we need bread and salt,” she said, asserting that a democratic solution to the Kurdish issue is indispensable for the country’s progress.
Addressing the financial and administrative barriers imposed on DEM Party-run municipalities, Hatimoğulları accused the government of weaponising the trustee system to undermine elected officials. She praised the perseverance of municipal co-chairs, reminding them that their dual legitimacy—first through local primaries and then via public elections—represents the will of the people. She condemned the practice of appointing trustees, or “kayyım”, as undemocratic and noted its adverse effects on municipal services and public trust.
Hatimoğulları pointed to the double standards in financial policies, where municipalities under government control receive ample loans while opposition municipalities face funding restrictions and demands for repayment of debts incurred under trustees.
She argued that this economic siege is designed to paint opposition municipalities as ineffective and prevent them from serving their constituents. Despite these challenges, she highlighted the unity and resilience of communities across ethnic and religious lines in standing against authoritarian practices.
The co-chair linked the struggles of local governance to the broader societal demand for justice, inclusivity, and democracy. She praised the solidarity shown by diverse groups—Kurds, Turks, Arabs, Armenians, and others—in resisting the trustee system, describing it as a unifying struggle that transcends regional and ethnic boundaries. Referring to the appointment of trustees in Esenyurt, Batman (Êlih), Mardin (Mêrdîn), Halfeti (Xelfetî), and other areas, she noted that even supporters of the ruling coalition are beginning to oppose the system’s injustices.
In her call for dialogue with Öcalan, Hatimoğulları emphasised that the Kurdish question is not solely a matter for one community but a national issue affecting millions. “This is not just about the Kurdish people; it concerns everyone. Opening the gates of İmralı [Prison] and enabling discussions is crucial for a democratic and honourable solution to the Kurdish question,” she said.
Hatimoğulları also stressed the need for a comprehensive peace project, which she described as essential for addressing not only ethnic tensions but also the economic and social crises gripping the nation. She urged collective efforts to strengthen local governance, foster international partnerships, and promote democracy at all levels.
Concluding her speech, she called for greater unity and solidarity, asserting that with collective effort, peace and progress are achievable. “If we work together for bread and peace, we will succeed,” she said, reaffirming the DEM Party’s commitment to resisting oppression and building a more inclusive future.
