As debates on a democratic solution to the Kurdish question continue around the ‘Peace and Democratic Society’ process initiated by Abdullah Öcalan, international support for this process also continues to grow. In a period when militarization is increasing globally, especially in the Middle East, experts from various social backgrounds emphasize the importance of Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan’s freedom for the success of the process and the conduct of negotiations on equal terms.
One of these experts is Prof. Louis Lemkow Zetterling, a sociologist at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. ANF spoke with him about the current peace and resolution efforts in Turkey regarding a democratic solution to the Kurdish question, Öcalan’s role, the future of democracy, and the role of the international community.
Imprisonment despite the process is unacceptable
Emphasizing the importance of Öcalan’s peace initiatives for a democratic solution to the Kurdish question, Prof. Lemkow said: “After more than forty years of armed struggle and thousands of deaths and injuries, such a process should be seen as a major step forward. I think it is very meaningful. This is undoubtedly the first step toward a solution. It is still at an early stage, but it is truly an important beginning. Hopefully, it will lead to tangible results. One can be optimistic, because this is the first serious step linking the parliamentary process directly to the peace process.”
Highlighting that it is unacceptable for Öcalan to still be forced to lead this process from prison conditions, Prof. Lemkow said: “Öcalan’s isolation for 26 years is unacceptable. This is a clear violation of human rights. At the same time, Öcalan is a very important figure in Turkey, especially as a symbol of resistance for the Kurdish people. He has also presented significant ideas about how to achieve peace and a form of autonomy for the Kurds. It is unacceptable that he remains imprisoned despite this role.”
The PKK’s 12the Congress decisions are significant and meaningful
Commenting on the importance of the PKK’s 12th Congress decisions, Prof. Lemkow said: “These decisions are in line with the process Abdullah Öcalan seeks to develop. The PKK’s decision to dissolve itself is a very important step. Similar developments have occurred in other contexts, such as in the Basque Country.
I believe this decision is very important. Clearly, there seems to be an understanding between Öcalan and the Congress. I know there are concerns about this, but personally, I don’t think they are well-founded. It could be argued that the Kurdish people might become more vulnerable, but I don’t think that will be the case.
Disarmament is a highly important initiative that strengthens the Kurds’ position. It also clearly demonstrates their desire and determination to advance toward peace.”
Öcalan’s freedom should be the first step to take
Criticizing the Turkish state for not taking concrete steps despite the Kurdish Freedom Movement’s initiatives, Prof. Lemkow said: “There are concerns about whether the Turkish state is serious or not. However, the establishment of a parliamentary commission is, as I said, a first step. But in my opinion, an amnesty and the release of prisoners—especially Öcalan—would be a very significant move.
Such steps have been taken in other conflicts before. As I mentioned, every conflict is different, but I believe such a gesture or initiative—an amnesty and the release of prisoners—would be extremely important and would definitely contribute to the peace process.”
International support is crucial
Stressing that international pressure on the Turkish government is necessary for the success of the process, Prof. Lemkow said: “Pressure from international civil society is important. It has certainly been important in past conflicts. For example, in the horrific situation in Gaza, the mobilization of international civil society condemning the role of the Israeli state has been significant and has had an impact.
It is important to raise wider international awareness of what the Kurdish people are facing. Every form of activism that amplifies this message can support the process. Of course, it is difficult at the moment because the Kurdish situation is somewhat overshadowed by what is happening in Palestine. But I think it is essential to continue. Continuing to spread awareness of this process and seeking international civil society support worldwide is vital. I stand in service of the Kurdish people in this regard.”
The presence of an observer force is important
Prof. Lemkow emphasized the importance of having an international observer force in the process, adding: “One of the keys to conflict resolution is international mediation. The role of third parties has often been crucial. While each conflict must be compared carefully, lessons can still be learned. Every conflict has its own history and dynamics, but analyzing them remains important. Mediation played a vital role in Ireland and the Basque Country. Along with international mediation, an amnesty or the release of political prisoners would also be significant.”
Öcalan’s critique of Marxism is valid
Addressing the importance of Öcalan’s ideas and his critique of Marxism, Prof. Lemkow said: “I think there are different forms of Marxism. For example, there is academic and analytical Marxism, which remains an important and valid tool for analyzing the dynamics of society. But there are also Marxist traditions with a very explicit political framework, such as Marxism-Leninism in its various forms.
Of course, all of these ideas require a critical approach. Like any social theory, problems arise as history progresses. Society changes, and we begin to see these transformations in different ways. Sometimes ideas developed in a certain era no longer provide real answers to contemporary questions. Therefore, I think Öcalan is right in believing that certain aspects of Marxism, especially some of its interpretations, may no longer be very useful.”
Presenting important theories
Prof. Lemkow noted that Öcalan has proposed significant theories, and added: “Öcalan offers a different alternative with his ideas. Through his thinking, he presents critical perspectives on both highly centralized state socialism and capitalism. The Soviet model failed, so his critical approach to that model is understandable. Öcalan criticizes centralized state systems because he recognizes that they create serious problems for minorities. We see this issue in many parts of the world. For instance, in Spain, Catalans and Basques have faced difficulties and exclusion under a centralized system.
But there are different solutions and alternatives. In some cases, political parties in Catalonia or the Basque Country advocate independence and the creation of their own state. Others argue that Spain should become a plurinational state. There are different options. Spain’s reality differs from that of the Kurdish people. Öcalan is developing an approach based on the reality of his own people. The Basque or Catalan models can serve as examples, but I don’t know how they would apply to Turkey and Kurdistan.”
Current democracies are in crisis
Prof. Lemkow also pointed out that representative and liberal democracies are in crisis and that alternative models should be considered: “Today, democracies are undoubtedly in crisis. But these crises in liberal democracies are cyclical. They rise and fall over time. Currently, the crisis is reflected in the rise of far-right, xenophobic, and racist parties in many European democracies.
This certainly reflects some failures of liberal democracy. Examining different models is both interesting and important. But I believe a democracy with a parliamentary center remains essential.
Despite many shortcomings and problems within parliamentary dynamics, it is still the least bad option among existing systems. It allows for a degree of participation. And of course, many people on the left, like myself, believe it can be improved by developing systems that expand participation even further.
This is, of course, a personal opinion. But I think expanding participation and creating more ways for people to be directly involved in the process is an important alternative.
There is a structural problem in political parties historically. Very often, the internal dynamics of parties — even those on the left — give rise to oligarchies or leadership cliques. The party apparatus is often made up of unelected officials who make most of the decisions. I think this situation leads people to lose trust in political parties and the parliamentary system.
Nevertheless, I believe political parties and the parliamentary system remain important. But we must acknowledge the need for significant changes and improvements.”
Who is Louis Lemkow Zetterling?
Prof. Louis Lemkow Zetterling is an academic specializing in environmental sociology and sustainable development. He is a professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona), where he studies the relationship between society and the environment, environmental risks, sustainability policies, and social inequalities. His research focuses on climate change, social inequality, the social impacts of biotechnology, and environmental justice. Prof. Lemkow actively participates in international academic networks and has published numerous works on these subjects.