The DEM Party's much-discussed "Alliance" and "Constitution" statements! They called out to the CHP: "This time, let them support us."

DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan made important statements regarding current events. Addressing the discussions that began after President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated, "We, the AK Party, MHP, and DEM, have decided to continue this journey together," Bakırkan stated that he is not aligned with any bloc and is advancing along the "third way."

NEW CONSTITUTION PRESENTATION: "WHO WILL SAY YES TO THIS?"

Regarding the new constitutional debates, Bakırhan said, "This constitution will be before us at the end of the day. If there is no solution to the Kurdish issue, no democratization, no justice in the economy, who will say yes to it?" and also explained his criticisms of the CHP.

"CERTAIN CIRCLES ARE TRYING TO MAKE THE FACTS MOTHERLESS"

Bakırhan, who interviewed Gökçer Tahincioğlu and Ceren Bayar from T24, said, "We need to ask, 'Will the constitution be drafted before the election? Will it be ready in time?' Is it that easy? Some circles are trying to obscure the essence. Until now, we've been calling it the 'third way.' We've been continuing on that path for 15-20 years. We've never been a party to a bloc or one of the two political parties. We've tried to explain and organize our own path."

Bakırhan, reminding us that the DEM Party occasionally collaborates with other parties during elections, said, "From time to time, our paths intersect at elections or similar points. As was the case with the Urban Consensus and the presidential election in which Kılıçdaroğlu was a candidate. Our election tactics aimed for strategic success, and we achieved this. Sometimes, society brings us together, and society's own priorities pull politics in different directions. But other than that, we pursued an independent policy that was in line with our own uniqueness."

Bakırhan said that Türkiye's century-old problems are not discussed enough and used the following expressions:

Today, we're discussing and talking about Türkiye's century-old problem. It's a problem that has taken away so much from the country. It's a problem that's the cause of today's political and social decay, as well as economic problems. Now, the essence of this century-old issue isn't being discussed. One of the tools of the 50-year conflict is being eliminated. This is crucial, but it's not being discussed enough. Unfortunately, very few political minds interpret this positively. They use very simplistic, shallow arguments to portray this as a process designed to meet the future expectations of one person or one party. These don't describe us, they don't describe our process.

"WE WORKED TO MAKE THE GOVERNMENT LOSE"

Bakırhan said, "We didn't elect the government. On the contrary, we worked tirelessly to ensure the government's defeat. We didn't support Mr. Erdoğan, who is now President. Our base openly voted for his opponent, his rival, and declared this. To claim that a political party that has made its stance so clear on every platform can pursue hidden agendas behind closed doors is a blatant distortion of reality. We see this issue as transcending elections and parties. We are not at a point where we measure this issue by the percentages it will receive in elections. This issue is far more valuable than individuals or parties."

"WE CANNOT PROCEED BY READING INTENTIONS"

When asked whether the government was approaching the process sincerely, Bakırhan said:

But we are not a party that comes to force, that is forced into a position. That is why we speak with this confidence. We are not a tradition that works to get the votes of the Kurds, while simultaneously signing a racist, Kurdish-denying protocol. We stand up for our own truth in prison, on the gallows; in every field we struggle. Why should we do something in secret? Besides, what is the government sitting at the table thinking right now? We cannot know. Do they expect anything to come of this? Are they trying to drag us into something? We cannot read their intentions; we cannot proceed by reading their intentions. Politics is not done by reading intentions. Our intention is clear: Let the Kurdish issue be resolved through democratic means. Let us achieve democratization, Türkiye's democracy problem, together. This is our primary goal. What else could it be?

There's no democratic judiciary, no rule of law, and people are anxious, unsure of what will happen to them, when, where, or what will happen. If even ordinary citizens feel they're being watched and listened to, it means there's a psychological pressure building up in society. Therefore, what does the government expect from this process? What is its intention? We can't know; that's a separate issue. We're still at the beginning of the journey. It's not right to predict this, to read minds. But we want Turkey to democratize, achieve social peace, and eliminate the issues that are eroding our economy, politics, and social life. We're working towards this. At the end of the day, if a ballot box is to be held, let it be based on the will of the people. What difference does it make if we take sides? In a place where there are 86 million people, does one party win or lose by taking sides?

"THE CONSTITUTION WILL COME BEFORE US AT THE END OF THE DAY"

Bakırhan made the following assessments regarding the constitutional debates:

We define the Constitution as a social contract. So, is the Constitution something that one party imposes itself on, and the other parties or society at large will accept? If one party drafts a social contract that will determine the country's future decades, based on its own interests and future, will the others abide by it? Are they obligated to do so? Therefore, this debate is a debate originating with those opposed to the process. Our party currently has no such agenda, no such priorities. There are problems of justice, law, freedom, and economic justice in Türkiye. If these are resolved, and then they say, "Let's also enact a democratic constitution," and society says, "Let them do it," then we will, of course, take society's expectations and demands into consideration.

I also want to say to the Turkish public: this constitution will eventually come before us. If there's no solution to the Kurdish issue, no democratization, no women, no hope for the future of young people, no equal citizenship for Alevis, no justice in the economy, and the destruction of nature continues, who will say yes to this? Will the DEM Party say yes to this? Someone is fanning the flames and bringing this to the public agenda. Instead of doing this, they should come out and say openly, 'I am against this process of discussing a solution to the Kurdish issue.' Look, I respect that.

"WHO CONCLUDES WHERE THAT WE WILL BE JOINED TO SOMEONE?"

Bakırhan continued his words as follows:

"When we meet with Mr. Öcalan, there are no issues like the constitution, elections, or supporting a party. On the contrary, our goal is to govern this country. For God's sake, can't Selahattin Demirtaş, Figen Yüksekdağ, Tülay Hatimoğulları, Keskin Bayındır, Çiğdem Kılıçgün Uçar govern Türkiye? What do we lack? Do people who are more communal, more populist, more hard-working, who have paid the price, govern worse? Who gets the idea that we will align ourselves with someone else, that we will support someone else's politics? Why shouldn't we? Are we governing the Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality worse than the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality?

We have 25 years of experience in local government. Have you ever heard of a single colleague being accused of corruption? We govern together with the people. With a transparent, democratic, and inclusive logic. Today, Turkey must focus on the historic moment when we laid down our weapons. It must focus on the democratic solution to the Kurdish issue. It must focus on creating a democratic foundation where we can all breathe. Predicting who will win where in the elections three years from now, right from the start, does not define us.

"I RESPECT THE CHP'S HESITANT APPROACH"

Bakırhan also commented on the call made from prison by CHP presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu, which included messages directed at the Democratic Party (DEM) and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). Bakırhan stated that they understand the CHP and İmamoğlu's concerns about the process and continued:

Let me express this: I respectfully acknowledge the Republican People's Party's hesitation and concern regarding this issue due to the pressures they have experienced recently. While operations continue and mayors and administrators are being arrested, it is perfectly normal for them to ask: Will peace be like this? Will democracy arrive like this? We say this to the Republican People's Party and Mr. İmamoğlu: As long as each of us struggles in our own neighborhoods, our own peripheries, our own circles, we will encounter such adversities. If we can speak on common ground, on common ground for a common democratic judiciary, law, justice, freedom, a democratic country, a democratic republic, rest assured, we will not experience any of what we are experiencing now. If we are experiencing something right now, it is because we stand apart. Anxiety grows most in abstract discussions. Therefore, we need to expand our areas of common struggle. Because anxieties melt away in shared gains.

The solution to the Kurdish issue and the democratization of Türkiye is a bigger, more important issue than the AK Party, the MHP, the CHP, or any other political party. We haven't integrated with anyone, so why should we separate? And the ruling alliance demonstrates that there is no such integration, no such alliance. Just as we didn't integrate with the CHP with our vote choice in Istanbul in 2019, we are not integrated with the ruling bloc today. In this respect, every party can serve social peace by maintaining its differences. Peace comes not from parties becoming similar, but from parties finding common ground and democratic principles despite their differences.

To stop the deteriorating situation in the country, we all need to be at the table. We must support this process. This isn't just the DEM Party's problem. The Kurdish issue is Türkiye's problem. It's not a process that concerns only us. It's not independent of democracy, it's not independent of a democratic Türkiye. If we speak of democracy, of a democratic judiciary, of the will of the people elected to govern, we must hold this table despite everything, we must sit there by force. No one should come to that table out of gratitude or invitation. They should come because Türkiye needs it.

"THOSE WHO ESCAPE THE MATTRESS LOSE"

Bakırhan stated that remaining outside the ongoing process to resolve the Kurdish issue would be a serious loss for Turkey and emphasized that the CHP must take an active role in this process. Noting that they met with CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, Bakırhan emphasized the importance of dialogue in politics, saying, "The table is like a political cushion. Those who avoid the cushion lose. If we want to win peace, we need to be on the cushion."

Bakırhan stated that the CHP's distance from the process due to the pressures it has been experiencing is understandable, saying, "I find this approach justified due to the recent pressures on the CHP. However, are we going to say we shouldn't take part in this process just because the government might want to write off the resolution process for itself?"

Emphasizing that the CHP has a historical responsibility, Bakırhan made the following assessment:

The CHP, in accordance with its founding values and historical mission, has the responsibility to address the Kurdish issue with its century-long experience. It should consider the issue not as a reaction to periodic crises or the government's daily political maneuvers, but as a cornerstone of Türkiye's democratization. A permanent social peace and an understanding of equal citizenship would be the stance most befitting the CHP's historical identity.

Bakırhan stated that all actors must take responsibility in Türkiye's search for a solution and peace, saying, "Not demonstrating a will to resolve a 100-year-old issue and not taking a seat at the table would be the greatest disservice to Türkiye. This is a great loss not only for the Kurdish people but for the entire society."

"IF THE PROCESS IS SUCCESSFUL..."

Bakırhan, who stated that society is still having difficulty concretizing concepts such as democratic integration, explained the change that will occur if the process is successful:

If the process is successful, if it's not refrigerated, if the opposition supports it, the resources spent in Türkiye will go not to war, but to workers and the oppressed. Corruption will end, and a democratic judiciary will emerge. People will wake up every morning without fear of a knock on their door. Their property will not be seized. Trustees will not be appointed. There will be transparency in tenders.

"Türkiye WILL BE A MODEL FOR THE MIDDLE EAST"

Bakırhan stated that the results of the process would not be limited to domestic politics, and that Türkiye could become a regional example of democracy:

If this process concludes successfully, Türkiye's democracy will become a model for the region. Feminicides, environmental destruction, and ethnic and sectarian marginalization will end. It will no longer be a country where Kurds and Alevis are ignored. A system will be established where everyone lives freely, goes to the polls, and respects the results.

Emphasizing that democratization will also bring respect for the will of the people, Bakırhan said, "Society will bring what it does not like through the ballot box, and it will take it away through the ballot box. No one will debate the election results. This is the foundation of a true democratic environment."

"OUR CONCERN IS TO CONCLUDE THE PROCESS SUCCESSFULLY"

Bakırhan noted that some members might be cautious about the process, stating that they find this situation natural. He said, "We may have some hesitations about this process, some who remain cautiously optimistic. This is a very humane and politically understandable situation. However, with the Call for Peace and Democratic Society, the idea of a common promise, a common action, and a common march has been strengthened within the party. Our concern is to conclude the process successfully."

Bakırhan emphasized that the DEM Party has a strong internal structure, saying that decisions are made collectively, not individually, adding, "We discuss issues on which we have different opinions in our boards. No one imposes anything. Decisions are made through the filter of common sense. This is one element that makes us strong."

"BAHÇELİ'S HANDSHAKES MADE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE START OF THIS PROCESS"

Regarding the handshake, which was seen as the symbolic starting point of the process, Bakırhan stated that this step had a positive impact on the process. Bakırhan said, "Bahçeli's handshake significantly contributed to the start of this process. It was a very appropriate step. At a time when the Middle East is becoming so destabilized and conflicts are escalating, it was extremely valuable to initiate a discussion on this issue with Türkiye's future and security in mind."

"NO ONE SHOULD BE JUDGED BY THEIR PAST, ESPECIALLY MR. BAHÇELİ"

He emphasized the importance of MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli's symbolic and political stance toward the peace process. Bakırhan said, "No one, especially Mr. Bahçeli, should be judged based on their past. Of course, the past is worth considering, but it is very valuable that he recognizes this need today and demonstrates a will to address this issue."

"WE ARE AN OPPOSITION PARTY AND WE WILL PRESERVE THIS IDENTITY"

Bakırhan stated that the dialogue with the government within the context of the peace process would not overshadow the party's opposition identity. "We are an opposition party, and we will maintain that identity," Bakırhan said, adding, "We will oppose the mining law when it comes, but we will support it if any steps are taken regarding workers' rights. This stance will not change."

"Just because we are looking for a solution with someone, we don't turn our back on what happens to someone else." Regarding criticisms of "sitting at the table with the government," Bakırhan stated that they would continue their fight for rights, law, and justice under all circumstances, saying, "Just because we're seeking a solution with one party, we won't turn our backs on what happened to another. That wouldn't work with us. We are a fair party. We can't ignore the government's shortcomings just because we sit down with it."

"THIS PROCESS IS NOT BARGAINING"

Addressing the "trust problem" within society and the opposition, Bakırhan emphasized that the process cannot be based on bargaining, saying, "It's normal to feel anxious. But calling this process 'bargaining' or 'an effort to get someone elected' is unfair. There's no such thing. This is the rhetoric of those who want to discredit the process."

CALL TO CHP: GIVE YOUR SUPPORT ONCE AGAIN

Bakırhan also voiced his criticisms of the CHP, arguing that they had supported the CHP during the election campaign but hadn't received anything in return. Bakırhan said, "The CHP has 35 percent of the vote. So why do we always support it? This time, they should support it. We are the most qualified political movement. Why is the DEM always trying to prevent losses? Why shouldn't we win? From now on, we will say, 'Let the CHP not lose; let them vote for our candidate.'"

"VIOLATIONS OF DEMOCRACY DID NOT START TODAY"

Bakırhan responded to those who distanced themselves from the peace process on the grounds that "there is no democracy," saying, "Is there no democracy today? Yesterday, Selahattin Demirtaş and Figen Yüksekdağ were in prison. Yesterday, there was no Şişli Municipality, only Siirt Municipality. Yesterday, there was democracy, but today it has been shelved? Violations of democracy are not new. But while we have been living with this oppression for years, we have not complained to anyone."

"We did not receive support either when the immunities were lifted or when the trustee law was passed." Bakırhan, who stated that they are engaged in transparent and consistent politics, said, "To those who are concerned about us, I say: If the CHP shows us two examples of us not keeping our promises, I will quit politics. We voted for Demirtaş and Kılıçdaroğlu. But then they didn't stand with us. We expected support when immunities were lifted and when the trustee law was passed, but we didn't get it."

Bakırhan, stating that the DEM Party has never misled the public, said, "We don't do anything undercover. We stand by what we say. These comments, saying things like 'they are negotiating, they shouldn't be supported,' really hurt us."

Bakırhan emphasized that the approach towards the DEM Party in inter-party relations is far from equal, saying, "There's a mindset that constantly tries to pin us down. There are those who think, 'If they go apart, we'll lose.' So, go ahead and support us. If you're the big brother, support the little brother. This rhetoric is hurting the Kurds."

Bakırhan, reiterating his faith in the process, said, "We will govern this country. DEM represents the most reliable, most populist, and most democratic politics. We are not obligated to anyone. But we are obligated to a common struggle, to justice, and to equality. I wish our Black Sea people would recognize us."

"THERE HAVE BEEN MANY UNLAWFUL PROCEEDINGS IN Türkiye, BUT THERE IS NO CASE LIKE THE KOBANI CONSPIRACY CASE"

Bakırhan emphasized that many unlawful trials have been carried out in Türkiye, but the Kobani case stands out as a conspiracy case.

Bakırhan said, "Rest assured, there have been many unlawful trials in Türkiye, but there is nothing like the Kobani conspiracy case. Our friends have been imprisoned for nine years, unjustly and unlawfully. We were tried in the KCK trials; at least they told us we were 'engaging in revolution.' However, in the Kobani case, they tried to pin all the blame on them over a single tweet."

"EVERY SECOND OF SELAHATTİN DEMİRTAŞ'S STAY INSIDE IS A CRIME"

Bakırhan stated that the situation of Selahattin Demirtaş, Figen Yüksekdağ, and others who are being held in detention despite ECHR rulings is unacceptable, saying, "Every second that Selahattin Demirtaş and Figen Yüksekdağ remain in prison is a crime. You serve nine years, and the ECHR repeatedly issues violation rulings. Our friends must be released immediately."

Bakırhan stated that the most qualified political figures who believed in and supported the process were imprisoned, adding, "Experienced figures like Selahattin Demirtaş, Figen Yüksekdağ, Leyla Güven, and Ayşe Gökkan have made significant contributions to this process. They have a strong presence and experience in society. We need them."

Bakırhan, who reported meeting with Selahattin Demirtaş and Figen Yüksekdağ this week, said the prisoners wholeheartedly support the process and are hopeful. Bakırhan said, "People who have been imprisoned for nine years may be angry about the system's practices, but we've seen them in high spirits and hope. They want to contribute to the process as soon as possible."

"WE WILL GO TO IMRALI IN 10 DAYS"

Bakırhan stated that the party's co-chairs and Central Executive Committee members will visit İmralı soon. Recounting Öcalan's words, "You can come again, and we'll discuss the upcoming term," Bakırhan stated that the party will achieve a more qualified and inclusive structure as the process progresses. Bakırhan said, "Many of our colleagues were unable to work hard due to state pressure. As the process progresses, there will be stronger participation. We will go to İmralı within a week to 10 days to hear Mr. Öcalan's suggestions and criticisms and discuss the process."

"THERE SHOULD BE NO APPARENT COMMISSION"

When asked, "What are your expectations regarding the commission to be established in Parliament and the 11th Judiciary Package?" Bakırhan responded as follows:

The commission's work should also be based on positive integration and holistic legal principles. If the commission functions correctly and effectively, not only legal regulations but also the implementation of ECHR and Constitutional Court decisions that don't require legal regulation will be on the agenda. Executions and burnings will also be on the agenda. Can it be said, "You're not like us, you think differently. Serve an extra six years"? Can those who say this be separated from their children and families for six days, not six years? Is there no empathy at all? Turkey must rid itself of this shame. The commission should address these issues. It shouldn't be a formal commission. Parliament has a crucial role to play here. It must bring this issue to the attention of society.

Comprehensive regulation is needed. Regulations must be enacted that eliminate the need for packages, including the Law on Combating Terrorism, the Turkish Penal Code, the Criminal Procedure Code, and similar regulations. Türkiye needs regulations that heal society's bleeding wounds, not simply bandage them. Frankly, we are working hard and sweating to ensure this process goes smoothly, alongside President Tülay and our entire administration. Those who disrupt this process and approach it tactically will surely lose. Society demands that this issue be resolved. They want to breathe easy, to avoid conflict and commotion. Those who fulfill their obligations will win and grow. Those who engage in politics and dissimulation will also lose. The upcoming elections will reveal the results we will test.

"WHITE TOROS" PHOTO AND THE ÖCALAN BOOK ON MHP MEMBER YILDIZ'S DESK

Bakırhan made the following assessment regarding the photos of terrorist leader Abdullah Öcalan, which were confiscated at one time, and the "White Toros" photos on the prosecutor's desk, which were on a photo Feti Yıldız shared on his social media account:

We want all ideas, from the right, the left, and politics, including Mr. Öcalan's ideas, to be on the table, read, and discussed. They can broaden horizons. They can make you say, 'This is it.' We shouldn't be afraid of ideas. Mr. Öcalan is presenting an understanding that he believes will benefit 86 million people. When I saw the White Toros on the prosecutor's desk, I enlarged the photo to see if it was real or not. The person who placed the White Toros there is saying, 'Don't put them in prison; slaughter them in the streets.' He's asking, 'Why are you giving three meals a day to a caravan in prison?' Will a White Toros-affiliated judiciary act conscientiously? Will it act justly? Will it act impartially? This is precisely what needs to be eliminated from the White Toros. To achieve this, we need to be sincere and resolutely fulfill its requirements.