HDP and CHP hold joint press conference

HDP co-chairs Pervin Buldan and Mithat Sancar visited the CHP (Republican People’s Party) in Ankara as part of their talks with the political opposition. The talks were followed by a joint press conference with CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu.

Kılıçdaroğlu: We must talk to each other

Kılıçdaroğlu expressed at the press conference that society in Turkey has suffered greatly from the prevailing conflicts and that there is a need for reconciliation: “Not quarrelling, but peace must be our priority. We need to come together and talk to each other. Turkey has no problem that cannot be resolved. All problems can be resolved with reason, logic, experience, potential and acumen. Within this framework, we have put Turkey’s problems on the table. The honourable chairpersons have expressed their thoughts. We have expressed our own thoughts. We have talked about the economy and discussed the problems of tradesmen, farmers, pensioners and minimum wage workers. Certainly we hold different opinions, but every opinion has a high value for us.”

Buldan: Talked about a change of government

Pervin Buldan explained that the HDP had held talks with various opposition parties, including the DEVA on Tuesday morning and then the CHP. “Each party naturally presents its own opinion on the fundamental problems. That is what we did today. The issues in Turkey that urgently need a solution are obvious. As opposition parties, we have taken responsibility and talked about how we can solve the problems and what needs to be done in a transitional period in Turkey. There has been an exchange of views between us. We are in a time of crisis. This does not only concern the economy, there are crises in all areas in Turkey. I would like to point out here that in addition to an economic, social and political crisis, there is also a major crisis in the field of law.”

The HDP leader referred to the unpunished Roboski massacre and Emine Şenyaşar’s search for justice and further stated: “In order to find a solution to all these issues, Turkey needs a new mentality and a new government. This will come to the agenda with the decision for early elections. With such a decision, Turkey will have a new government and a new way of dealing.”

Pervin Buldan said that the HDP had proposed a joint parliamentary initiative to the CHP for new elections and that the proposal was now being discussed within the party and would be answered within a short time.

Sancar: The system of government must change

HDP leader Mithat Sancar thanked Kılıçdaroğlu for his willingness to communicate and said they agreed that there was a multiple crisis in Turkey, adding, “A way out can only be found through a broad dialogue. The opposition has a duty to revive democracy in Turkey. If we promise to bring democracy to this country, we have to show that to society, especially in our dealings with each other.”

The various crises in the country, he said, were ultimately a crisis of government, but at the same time of the system of government. “Both have to be dealt with together and a change of government must also bring about a change in the system of government. This is the basis for the call for early elections.”

Sancar, however, cautioned against an exclusive focus on elections: “The people are suffering from poverty, hunger, injustice and great injustice in many areas. To protect the people, we are forced to act together. There is a lot of work that needs to be done before the elections. This includes the task of jointly addressing the issue of election security from now on.”

The government is trying to hold on to power with social polarisation, agitation and hostility: “This is their basic strategy for the continuation of their existence: divide, polarise, stir up hostility. We have to do the exact opposite and show society that we can achieve social peace through dialogue and negotiations. This is the greatest promise that opposition parties can make to society. If we manage to convey the message that we keep our differences but have the common will to achieve social peace, we will be supported by society. Then we will vote out the government and at the same time create the conditions for shaping the future with democratic principles and in peace. For this reason, the exchange between us is of great importance. The talks between the delegations will continue. We all have the responsibility to resolve the problems in Turkey together. For this, we as HDP have started this series of talks and we are determined to continue.”