Tülay Hatimoğulları, co-chair of Turkey’s pro-Kurdish People’s Equality and Democracy Party (DEM), delivered a speech at her party’s parliamentary group meeting in the country’s Grand National Assembly on Monday, to address the anniversary of the attempted coup of July 2016. Hatimoğulları claimed that the state of emergency measures introduced on 20 July after the attempted coup constituted the real coup, stating: “We are continuing our struggle to build a democratic republic.”
Hatimoğulları described the current situation as a “protracted coup”, referring to the state of emergency laws introduced on 20 July subsequent to the attempted coup, and repeatedly renewed since then: “Just like the coup of 12 September [1980], what we are experiencing is a coup in slow motion. There are no tanks, no artillery, no military boots, but what we have is exploitation, a system of plunder, violence against women, the imposition of decrees, violations of the constitution by those arbitrarily issuing new laws, and political, judicial and law enforcement forces that protect these actions.”
Hatimoğulları warned that without confronting this coup, “it will be impossible to talk about a democratic republic and a democratic Turkey”. She stressed that neither the ruling party nor the main opposition have the necessary understanding to face this confrontation. “As travellers of the third way, we continue our struggle to build a democratic republic,” she said, stressing that the DEM party represents this third way.
In her speech, Hatimoğulları also drew attention to the grievances of those affected by the state of emergency. She highlighted the plight of many, noting that “under the pretext of ’emergency measures’, countless people have faced unjust detentions, loss of jobs and violations of basic rights. These measures have left many without legal recourse, adding to their suffering and disenfranchisement”.
Hatimoğulları strongly criticised the government, particularly for its economic policies and injustices. “The government’s economic policies do nothing but increase poverty and unemployment,” she stated, pointing out that the economic burden on citizens has reached unprecedented levels, with inflation and the cost of living skyrocketing. “The burden of economic hardship falls disproportionately on the most vulnerable, widening the gap between the rich and the poor.”
The co-chair stressed the need to address existing inequalities and injustices in society, saying, “The injustices and inequalities in society are unacceptable; we must fight to eliminate them.” She called for comprehensive reforms to create a fairer society where everyone has access to basic rights and opportunities.
She also stressed the importance of protecting and improving workers’ rights. “We must all work together to protect and improve workers’ rights,” she declared, stressing that labour rights are fundamental to achieving social justice. Hatimoğulları went on to condemn the exploitation of workers and called for better working conditions, fair wages and stronger protection against unfair dismissal.
“Democratic values and human rights must be defended; they are the cornerstones of society,” Hatimoğulları concluded, reiterating the commitment of her party to struggle for a society where democracy and human rights are upheld for all citizens.
