Recent developments in Turkey’s approach to the Kurdish issue have raised fundamental questions about the course of democratic politics and governance in Turkey. Recent statements by the leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Devlet Bahçeli, hinting at a possible political solution to the long-standing Kurdish question had raised hopes for a peaceful solution. However, these expectations were dashed when the government decided to appoint trustees to replace the elected mayors of three key municipalities, including Halfeti (Xelfêtî), fuelling political discontent.
On 4 November, in a provocative move, the Turkish government appointed trustees in three municipalities run by the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, including Halfeti in Şanlıurfa province.
DEM Party MP for Şanlıurfa Ömer Öcalan criticised the government’s appointment of the trustees: “While the Kurdish issue has recently entered the national discussion, the appointment of trustees runs counter to the political and social fabric to which one must connect in order to reach out democratically,” Öcalan said. “The appointment of trustees further entangles problems instead of solving them”.
Öcalan referred to his 23 October meeting with his uncle, imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), Abdullah Öcalan. He emphasised that the historical alliances between Kurds and Turks – from the time of Sultan Sencer to the foundation of the Turkish Republic – were discussed. The symbolic importance of Halfeti – inhabited by both a Kurdish and a Turkmen community – was underlined as an example of coexistence that could inspire a national unity strategy on a larger scale.
“Halfeti is a miniature Turkey,” said Ömer Öcalan, underlining the need to cultivate dialogue and the practice of democracy. He condemned the use of trustees and asked whether it was in line with democratic values or the spirit of modern law. “Who does this policy serve?” he asked rhetorically, suggesting that deep-rooted corruption and malpractice were being ignored in favour of moves that further polarised the political and ethnic landscape.
Öcalan went on to reiterate what this means in terms of the right to political participation: “The perpetual appointments of trustees that started in 2016 have destroyed any trust in democratic processes.” Referring to Mehmet Karayilan, a Turkmen co-mayor, and Saniye Bayram, a Kurdish co-mayor, elected in Halfeti, he said: “The mandate of the elected officials in Halfeti – who represent both Kurdish and Turkmen voters – has been taken away. This undermines not only the elected persons, but even more the concept of democratic governance.”
The sentiments expressed by Öcalan were consistent with the calls for a return to genuine democratic norms and respect for legal and ethical standards. “We are committed to democratic politics and the paradigm of a democratic nation,” he said, reiterating the importance of a peaceful solution through dialogue and within the framework of the law.
Current conditions in Halfeti, Mardin (Merdîn), Batman (Elîh) and even in major urban areas such as Esenyurt and Istanbul give little indication that such an environment is at hand.
