DEM Party Co-Chair Criticizes Türkiye’s Contradictory Approach to Peace, Governance

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Tuncer Bakirhan, Co-Chair of the Peoples' Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, delivered a speech during Newroz celebrations in Diyarbakir, condemning Türkiye’s government for what he described as a contradictory stance on peace and democracy.

Speaking to a large crowd gathered for the annual Kurdish New Year festivities, Bakirhan asserted that the government’s actions—particularly the appointment of trustees to municipalities—stand in stark contrast to its purported commitment to peace.

“In the last 100 years, a line was drawn between Kurdish and Turkish brotherhood. It is time to remove this line,” Bakirhan declared, emphasizing the historical divide that has hindered genuine reconciliation. He invoked the long-standing call by imprisoned Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan for peace and democracy, stating that the Kurdish people’s aspirations remain clear: “The Kurdish demand is for peace, democracy, and equality. We move forward with the spirit of Newroz, and peace is the end of our path.”

Bakirhan criticized the Turkish government’s handling of the issue, expressing deep disappointment over policies that he argued undermine the possibility of a lasting resolution. “Unfortunately, we see steps being taken contrary to Ocalan’s call in Türkiye. We urge the authorities to abandon this mistake. Peace and democratic society cannot be achieved by separating people,” he said.

He pointed specifically to the appointment of government trustees to replace elected officials in Kurdish-majority municipalities, a practice that has been widely condemned by Kurdish political parties and human rights organizations. “We cannot create a peaceful and democratic society by detaining the mayor of Istanbul, criminalizing city consensus, appointing trustees, and attacking Rojava,” Bakirhan stressed, drawing attention to what he sees as a pattern of anti-democratic measures targeting both Kurdish and opposition-led administrations.

As the Newroz fire lit up the sky in Diyarbakir, Bakirhan concluded his speech with a stark criticism of what he called the Turkish government’s contradictory approach in discussing peace while simultaneously suppressing Kurdish political representation.

“The Turkish authorities cannot discuss peace processes on one hand while appointing trustees on the other,” he asserted.

Bakirhan’s speech was met with widespread applause from the Newroz crowd, reinforcing the significance of the festival not only as a cultural celebration but also as a political statement of Kurdish identity and aspirations. His remarks underscored the DEM Party’s firm stance on Kurdish political rights and its rejection of what it views as Türkiye’s inconsistent policies on peace and governance.