Recently released Kurdish MP Sebahat Tuncel has accused the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of seeking to build a republic without either Kurds or democracy. She called on the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) to take a clearer stance to support a democratic republic. On Saturday, Tuncel, speaking to Mezopotamya Agency, highlighted the AKP’s persistent exclusionary strategies and urged the CHP to clarify its position on the Kurdish issue.
In response to recent discussions of ‘normalisation’ following the meeting between President Erdoğan and CHP leader Özgür Özel, Tuncel warned against compromising democratic principles. “Negotiating issues like the Gezi Park trial legitimises the politicisation of the judiciary. Instead, we must fight for a democratic legal order,” she said.
“AKP and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) want to establish a second republic and draft its constitution. There is no public support for this, and they are not receiving it,” Tuncel stated, referring to the recent top-level meeting between the AKP and CHP where Erdoğan and Özel discussed several issues, including a constitutional reform. She stressed the need for the CHP to adopt more definitive rhetoric if it also aims to build a democratic republic.
Addressing the issue of government-appointed trustees replacing elected officials in Kurdish municipalities, Tuncel described it as part of a broader plan to suppress the Kurdish people. “The AKP’s strategy does not change. It is not a current policy but a plan. They want to build a second republic that excludes Kurds, women, Alevis and democracy,” she explained.
Tuncel also noted the resilience and resistance of the Kurdish people against these policies. “Despite the state’s use of coercive measures, they have not achieved their desired results. There is strong opposition and resistance against the kayyım regime,” she added.
“Saying ‘we are against trustee policy’ is not enough. What does the CHP think about the Kurdish issue? There is a need for stronger statements. This is about the collapse of our own constitution and laws,” Tuncel concluded, critiquing the CHP’s stance. CHP sources have stated that the meeting between Özel and Erdoğan touched upon the trustee issue with the former criticising it while Erdoğan defended. She urged the opposition to take a firmer stand against the AKP’s authoritarian measures.
