Kemal Bülbül, Antalya’s co-mayoral candidate from the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, has criticised the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) for its stance against peace, accusing it of planning total “Saddamisation” in its Kurdish policy.
At the Newroz celebration in Antalya, Bülbül addressed claims that the AKP is planning a peace process to resolve the Kurdish issue. He vehemently refuted these speculations, warning instead of a “Saddam Plan” by the government.
Bülbül’s assertions were made alongside a reminder of the Kurdish women’s defeat of ISIS in Kobani (Kobane), underlining Kurdish contributions to regional stability. “They ask for permission to massacre the Kurds,” Bülbül stated, referring to recent Turkish diplomatic manoeuvers.
The celebration also revisited the 2013 Peace Declaration, with DEM Party Antalya MP Saruhan Oluç reiterating support for peace and democracy in Turkey, challenging the government’s narrative by advocating for negotiation and peace over conflict.
